Rhode Island's Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act (RIDPPA), signed by Governor Dan McKee on June 22, 2024, takes effect January 1, 2026. Rhode Island's law has a low 35,000-consumer threshold, making it applicable to a wider range of businesses. The RIDPPA places notable emphasis on transparency — privacy notices must be clear, accessible, and written in plain language. The law provides all standard consumer rights and requires opt-in consent for sensitive data. Rhode Island's law is notable for including specific provisions on the rights of minors and for requiring businesses to conduct and document regular risk assessments for high-risk processing activities.
Residents of Rhode Island have the following legally enforceable privacy rights under RIDPPA:
Confirm whether a business processes your personal data and obtain a copy in portable format.
Request correction of inaccurate personal data held about you by covered businesses.
Request deletion of personal data you've provided or that has been collected about you.
Receive your personal data in a machine-readable, portable format to transfer to other services.
Prevent businesses from selling your personal data to third parties for commercial purposes.
Stop businesses from using your data to show you personalized ads based on your online behavior.
Opt out of automated decision-making used in significant decisions about credit, employment, or housing.
Businesses cannot penalize you with higher prices or reduced service for exercising your rights.
The RIDPPA applies to controllers conducting business in Rhode Island or targeting Rhode Island residents AND that during the preceding calendar year controlled or processed personal data of at least 35,000 consumers, or controlled or processed data of at least 10,000 consumers while deriving over 20% of annual revenue from the sale of personal data. Standard exemptions for HIPAA entities, GLBA-covered financial institutions, government entities, nonprofits, and higher education institutions apply.
Under RIDPPA, the following categories are classified as sensitive personal data and require explicit opt-in consent before processing:
Racial or ethnic origin · Religious or philosophical beliefs · Mental or physical health diagnoses · Sexual orientation or gender identity · Citizenship or immigration status · Genetic or biometric data uniquely identifying a person · Personal data of known minors · Precise geolocation data (within 1,750 feet)
Under RIDPPA, businesses must respond to consumer rights requests within 45 days of receipt. This may be extended by an additional 45 days with prior written notice explaining the reason for the delay. Businesses must also establish an internal appeals process for denied requests, with a response due within 60 days.
The Rhode Island Attorney General has exclusive enforcement authority. A 60-day written cure notice is required before the AG may initiate a civil action. Civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation are available. There is no private right of action.
To exercise your rights under RIDPPA, contact the business through their official privacy portal (typically linked at the bottom of their website under "Privacy" or "Your Privacy Rights"). Clearly state:
1. That you are a Rhode Island resident invoking rights under RIDPPA
2. Your full name and contact information linked to your account
3. The specific right you are invoking (access, deletion, opt-out of sale, etc.)
4. The legal deadline for response (45 days)
If the company denies your request, you have the right to appeal. If the company does not respond or appeal fails, you may file a complaint with the Rhode Island Attorney General's office.
| Term | Definition Under RIDPPA |
|---|---|
| Personal Data | Any information linked or reasonably linkable to an identified or identifiable natural person. Does not include de-identified data or publicly available information. |
| Controller | A natural or legal person that, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of processing personal data. |
| Processor | A natural or legal person that processes personal data on behalf of a controller (e.g., a cloud hosting vendor). |
| Sale of Personal Data | The exchange of personal data for monetary or other valuable consideration by the controller to a third party. |
| Targeted Advertising | Displaying ads selected based on personal data obtained from a consumer's activities across non-affiliated websites or applications. |
| Profiling | Automated processing to evaluate, analyze, or predict aspects of a consumer's economic situation, health, personal preferences, behavior, location, or movements. |