Idaho Attorney General (AG) Lawrence Wasden, who has held the position since 2002, discusses his role as a privacy enforcer and the importance of consumer protection. Wasden has been actively involved in addressing privacy concerns such as marketing scams and internet safety, particularly for teenagers and children. He has served as president of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) and chair of the Conference of Western Attorneys General (CWAG), both organizations focusing on legal and policy matters for state AGs.

In the interview, Wasden shares his insights on the evolving landscape of privacy enforcement and regulation, highlighting the increasing emphasis by state AGs on these issues

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In response to growing concerns about privacy, Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter has signed a law that imposes restrictions on the use of unmanned aerial aircraft (UAV) by law enforcement and other public agencies, according to the Chicago Tribune. With this development, Idaho becomes the second state, following Virginia, to enact legislation aimed at limiting UAV utilization.

Under the new law, law enforcement authorities will be required to obtain a warrant before gathering evidence using UAVs, unless the investigation involves illegal drugs or the UAV deployment is for public emergencies or rescue operations, as mentioned in the report. Idaho Assistant Majority Leader Chuck Widner explained that the legislation seeks to prevent invasive surveillance activities facilitated by advanced technology.

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The recent cyberattack on JP Morgan, highlighted by The Washington Post, sheds light on the reluctance of companies to disclose breach incidents. It is noted that significant time lapses between when a company becomes aware of a cybercrime and when its customers are informed. This delay can be crucial for customers who need to take immediate steps to protect themselves, according to security experts.

In the midst of this, Optum Idaho, the company responsible for managing mental health and substance abuse patients within Idaho's Medicaid program, is under investigation by a federal agency for potential violations of patient privacy laws. Reports indicate that the company has mistakenly shared patient information with incorrect healthcare providers on multiple occasions, resulting in complaints being filed with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, the Idaho Attorney General, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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