To enhance consumer data protection, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has significantly expanded its network of state-level partnerships. The FCC’s Privacy and Data Protection Task Force announced the addition of five new state collaborators—Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Delaware, and Indiana—thereby doubling the total number of state enforcement partnerships to ten.
This strategic expansion underscores the FCC’s intensified focus on safeguarding consumer data amid escalating cybersecurity threats. By collaborating with state attorneys general, the FCC aims to streamline investigations and enforce privacy regulations more effectively across state lines.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating, “Defending consumer privacy is an all-of-government responsibility and a shared challenge. Today, we take on evolving consumer threats with new formal partnerships with state law enforcement leaders.”
The Privacy and Data Protection Task Force, established in 2023, coordinates the FCC’s efforts in rulemaking, enforcement, and public awareness concerning privacy and data protection. Adding these five states enhances the Task Force’s capacity to address complex privacy issues and respond to data breaches more efficiently.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell supported the collaboration, noting, “In a time when cyber threats are becoming more common, we must work together to protect consumers’ personal information.”
Similarly, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey highlighted the partnership’s benefits, stating, “Scams and data breaches steal the hard-earned money of Mainers every day. Our collaboration with the FCC will bring new resources, perspective, and expertise to the fight to keep Mainers safe from scams and identity theft.”
The FCC’s initiative to strengthen state partnerships reflects a proactive approach to consumer protection in the digital age. By leveraging the resources and expertise of both federal and state agencies, the Commission aims to create a more robust defense against data breaches and cyber threats, ensuring that consumer information remains secure.
The FCC indicated that it seeks additional state partnerships to strengthen its privacy and cybersecurity enforcement capabilities further. The commission emphasized that these relationships are crucial for addressing emerging privacy challenges in an evolving digital landscape.
