Sacramento, CA—Governor Gavin signed into law a pioneering privacy and consumer protection bill authored by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) that will establish a first-of-its-kind right to privacy for an individual’s neural data. SB 1223 protects an individual’s neural data from misuse by giving individuals the right to tell companies that their data is not to be shared and is not for sale.
Senate Bill 1223 defines neural data—information collected from the nervous and peripheral nervous systems—as a category of sensitive personal information, ensuring it receives the same legal protections as other critical data such as biometric data, health records, and financial information. This landmark legislation aims to safeguard the privacy and autonomy of individuals in an age of rapid technological advancement.
The legislation establishes strict guidelines for the collection, use, and sharing of neural data, making it clear that individuals must provide informed consent before any processing occurs. Violations of these protections will result in significant penalties, reinforcing California’s commitment to privacy and consumer protection.
“Today, we take a significant step forward in protecting the privacy of Californians,” said Becker. “It’s crucial that individuals maintain control over their own neural data, just as they do over other personal information. SB 1228 ensures that as we innovate, we do not compromise our fundamental rights. It empowers individuals to safeguard their most private information, making California a leader in protecting the rights of individuals in the digital age.”
With this historic legislation, California sets a precedent that could influence national and global discussions surrounding digital privacy rights. Senator Becker aims to ensure that the rights of individuals remain at the forefront of technological innovation.
This legislation has received widespread bipartisan support throughout the legislative process. It goes into effect on January 1, 2025.