Attorney General William Tong announced that starting January 1, 2025, businesses covered by the Connecticut Data Privacy Act must honor global opt-out preference signals, allowing consumers to opt out of targeted advertising and data sales via tools like Global Privacy Control. The advisory explains requirements, notes exemptions for HIPAA-covered entities, and provides resources for compliance.
In-house legal teams should review all vendor, customer, and data processing agreements where Connecticut residents' personal data is processed. Specifically, examine clauses governing data sharing, targeted advertising, data sales, and consumer consent mechanisms. Agreements must be updated to ensure they honor valid global opt-out preference signals (like GPC) as of January 1, 2025. Verify that contracts clearly define roles (controller vs. processor) under the CTDPA and incorporate necessary technical capabilities to recognize and process these signals. For entities handling health data, ensure contracts properly leverage the HIPAA exemption and do not inadvertently subject protected health information to CTDPA's opt-out requirements.
Entity
Businesses subject to CTDPA
Also known as: N/A
Industry
TechnologyOfficial Press Release
https://portal.ct.gov/ag/press-releases/2024-press-releases/tong-advises-connecticut-consumers-and-businesses-of-opt-out-rights-and-requirements
https://globalprivacycontrol.org/
implementation
https://globalprivacycontrol.org/implementation
the connecticut data privacy act
https://portal.ct.gov/ag/sections/privacy/the-connecticut-data-privacy-act
Connecticut Attorney General Enforcement Page
https://portal.ct.gov/AG/Privacy/Privacy-Resources
$500K
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced settlements with SunRun, Inc., Elevate Solar Solutions, and two salespeople over allegations of deceptive solar sales, including impersonating consumers and locking homeowners into long-term contracts without consent. SunRun must pay $300,000 and provide consumer relief; Elevate and the salespeople face a stated $200,000 penalty, with $100,000 suspended subject to ongoing compliance.
$8.0M
Connecticut announced an $8 million settlement with Mylan over allegations that it used agreements to delay generic EpiPen competitors and took other actions that inflated prices. Mylan also agreed to provide 10,000 free EpiPens; the release states that Mylan denies wrongdoing.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief challenging DHS’s policy and practice of conducting warrantless civil immigration arrests. The press release describes a court challenge, not a privacy enforcement action or monetary penalty.
$625K
Connecticut reached a $625,000 settlement with Frontier Communications Parent Inc. over an April 2024 breach in which compromised employee and vendor credentials were used to access internal systems and exfiltrate unencrypted personal information of 58,841 Connecticut residents. The settlement requires Frontier to strengthen its security program, implement specific safeguards and training, and obtain an independent third-party assessment.
$2.6M
Connecticut and New York found that Boston Children’s Health Physicians and its security vendor, XTIUM, failed to use reasonable safeguards, resulting in hackers accessing sensitive personal, medical, and employee information. The companies agreed to pay penalties totaling $2.64 million and implement enhanced cybersecurity measures.
Connecticut joined a coalition of state attorneys general filing a notice in Character Technologies, Inc.’s bankruptcy proceedings, raising concerns about the company’s safety and privacy practices and the sensitive information it holds. The states seek protections for children and consumers if the company’s business or assets are sold or transferred; the filing does not impose a fine or other remedy.