Here’s the translation to American English:
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Privacy has become a crucial issue in California, where citizens’ right to privacy is constantly undermined by the indiscriminate collection of personal information. This problem, which is not new, has its roots in the 1970s when the Information Practices Act (IPA) was enacted in response to the Watergate scandal. This law established a framework to protect personal data, ensuring that government entities handle information responsibly.
However, with the evolution of technology and the increase in the volume of data collected by local entities, the IPA has proven inadequate to address current challenges. Many local government organizations lack standard guidelines for information protection, raising serious concerns about privacy, especially in critical areas like public health and food assistance programs.
In this context, the proposal for the IPA Reform Act, A.B. 1337, has emerged, driven by Assemblymember Chris Ward from San Diego in collaboration with various privacy advocacy groups. This reform seeks to broaden the definition of covered entities, restrict the use of data without the consent of affected individuals, and establish penalties for negligent disclosure of personal information. Additionally, it aims to modernize the definition of personal information, aligning it with the California Consumer Privacy Act to include geographic and online browsing data, among other things.
The decline in public trust in government is a growing phenomenon, especially in situations where citizens are vulnerable due to their immigration status, religion, or gender identity. Therefore, it is imperative that California residents demand better protections for their data. The implementation of A.B. 1337 would not only serve to update a legal framework that has become outdated but could also help to reinforce public trust in government institutions.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
