Gavel Insight

Understanding Unauthorized Data Sharing in New York: Your Rights and Recourse In our increasingly digital world, the invisible threads of our personal data connect us to virtually every service we use. From online shopping to healthcare providers, our sensitive information is collected, stored, and often shared. While some sharing is legitimate and necessary, unauthorized data sharing – when your personal information is disclosed without your consent or legal justification – is a growing concern for New York consumers. This isn't just an abstract privacy invasion; it can lead to real financial harm, identity theft, and emotional distress. What Constitutes Unauthorized Data Sharing? Unauthorized data sharing occurs when a company, organization, or individual handles your personal information in a way you haven't agreed to, or that violates a legal obligation. This can manifest in several ways: 💼 Data Breaches: Perhaps the most common form, thi...

In today's digital world, our personal information is constantly being collected, processed, and shared. From the websites we browse to the apps we use, a vast amount of data about us is in motion. While much of this data exchange is legitimate and necessary for services to function, what happens when your data is shared without your permission? What if a company you trusted with your information decides to pass it along to third parties without your knowledge or consent, or for purposes you never agreed to? This is the realm of unauthorized data sharing, a significant concern for consumers, especially here in Virginia. As Virginians, we have specific legal protections designed to give us more control over our personal data. The Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA), which went into effect on January 1, 2023, is one of the most comprehensive state privacy laws in the United States. It's a landmark piece of legislation that significantly empowers consumers and...