(MyKeeneNow) – In a significant move to protect consumer privacy, New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella has announced the formation of a specialized Data Privacy Unit within the state’s Attorney General’s Office. The new unit will operate under the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau and will be responsible for enforcing the New Hampshire Data Privacy Act (RSA 507-H), a comprehensive law set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Attorney General Formella emphasized the importance of holding companies accountable for how they handle and monetize consumer data. “For far too long, businesses have profited immensely from the personal information of their customers without offering them a real choice in the matter,” said Formella in a news release. “Our office is committed to ensuring transparency and giving consumers control over their data.”

The Data Privacy Unit will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the new law, which grants New Hampshire residents a range of new rights regarding their personal data. These rights include the ability to confirm whether a business is processing their data, correct inaccuracies, demand data deletion, obtain data copies, and opt out of data processing for targeted advertising, sales, or profiling.

Businesses that fail to comply with the New Hampshire Data Privacy Act will face stiff penalties. The Attorney General’s Office can impose civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation, with the possibility of criminal charges for intentional non-compliance, which could lead to fines of up to $100,000 per violation.

As part of its early initiatives, the Data Privacy Unit plans to release a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help both consumers and businesses understand the new law and their respective rights and responsibilities.

To support the new unit, the Attorney General’s Office is currently seeking to hire an Assistant Attorney General. Interested candidates who want to be at the forefront of data privacy law in New Hampshire are encouraged to apply by submitting their resumes and cover letters to Chief of Staff Sean Gill at employment@doj.nh.gov.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the personal data of New Hampshire’s citizens and ensuring that businesses operating in the state adhere to the highest standards of data protection.