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Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva” talks to Monique Priestley, State of Vermont House of Representatives (Privacy Advocate). We discuss Monique’s involvement in Vermont privacy bills and advocacy efforts, emphasizing the significance of the bill and the need for continued advocacy in the privacy space. Monique details the arduous journey of the Kids Code and Data Privacy bill through the State Senate, citing industry pressure and last-minute negotiations that led to unexpected changes in the bill's version. We talk about the complexities of regulation, focusing on the challenges faced at the U/S. State and federal levels.

We also discuss the shifting dynamics of consumer privacy and the impact of lobbying efforts on legislative measures to safeguard consumer rights. We emphasize the critical need for raising public awareness and providing education on data privacy issues, expressing concerns about the dissemination of misinformation and fear-mongering tactics used by lobbyists to thwart consumer protection bills. Monique stresses the significance of having industry experts testify and provides assistance in countering arguments and misinformation related to policy issues.

The conversation also touches on the pressing need for stronger privacy legislation at both state and federal levels, particularly in response to recent data breaches affecting a large number of Americans. We express concerns about the challenges of managing privacy issues on a state level and the potential impact of a weak federal law on consumer protection. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of creating solutions for individuals affected by data breaches and the need for broader education on privacy issues. We also explore the intricate relationship between AI legislation and data privacy, underscoring the crucial need for data protection regulations as a foundational step before enacting AI bills.

Monique stresses the significance of public awareness, data minimization, and the protection of both consumers and businesses, expressing the need for storytelling testimony to support their cause. We touch upon developing a playbook to assist other U.S. states in implementing similar protections and the collaborative efforts with advocacy groups and other states to advance their cause. The conversation also highlights the potential impact of their efforts on a state-by-state basis, the intention to create a playbook detailing the legislative process and common amendment requests, and her hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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