Protect our data

Technology is rapidly changing the needs and demands of consumers across our state. As a result, retailers across Washington have increasingly turned to technology and data to help consumers make the most of the shopping experience with their favorite stores and loyalty programs.

Lawmakers in Olympia are considering SB 6281 – the Washington Privacy Act, a bipartisan bill that passed the Senate 46-1. This bill will help protect consumers’ personal information while helping create important guardrails and protections allowing retailers to responsibly use data to improve the shopping experience and offer customer benefits. It will create needed rules to ensure that all businesses have obligations to protect consumer privacy and will give consumers important protections and rights. The Washington Retail Association, on behalf of its members, has testified in support of SB 6281.

SB 6281 will allow Washington businesses to continue to create and harness innovative new technologies while helping protect consumers’ personal information. There is a very narrow window for Washington to pass this bill, and lawmakers should pass it before the session ends in the coming days.

Renée Sunde

Olympia