This story was originally published by Public News Service.
By Joe Ulery, producer
Public News Service
January 2, 2026
Indiana consumers have new control over their personal data with the Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act, which took effect Thursday after businesses had three years to prepare for its new regulations. The law gives Hoosiers the right to see what data companies collect – correct it, delete it, or opt out of targeted ads and data sales. It also requires companies to clearly explain those rights.
Sen. Liz Brown, R-Ft. Wayne, authored the bill.
“We want to make sure that Indiana businesses have time to understand, as they’re growing, that this is what they’re going to have to comply with, because this is a big lift,” Brown explained. “I mean, I can’t emphasize enough there is no consumer data privacy in the state of Indiana, and there’s no consumer data privacy at the federal level.”
Supporters say the law brings Indiana in line with other states. Critics noted that it includes broad exemptions, including nonprofits, government agencies, utilities, financial institutions, and health providers. Attorney General Todd Rokita said his office will enforce the law and handle consumer complaints if companies deny valid requests.
Adam Berry, vice president of economic development and technology for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, said businesses backed the measure for economic reasons. Berry said data rules help Indiana compete.
“This is a chamber priority, largely because this is an economic development bill,” he explained. “We live, work and play in the digital economy, and we’re not going backwards. So, it’s important for the state of Indiana to put [a] consumer data privacy bill on the books.”
Companies generally must respond to data requests within 45 days, with one possible extension.
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