Iowa has made significant progress in privacy legislation, becoming the sixth state in the U.S. to pass comprehensive consumer data privacy laws. The state's efforts, which began in 2020, have culminated in the passage of the law on March 29, 2023. Alongside Connecticut, Utah, Virginia, Colorado, and California, Iowa will enforce the new privacy law starting from January 1, 2025. Organizations operating in Iowa, which has a population of over 3 million residents, have 21 months to comply with the law's requirements. While the Iowa law shares similarities with other state laws, organizations must also be aware of specific distinctions as they navigate compliance in the United States.

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller has earned recognition as a key influencer in shaping policy and enforcement trends among state attorneys general across the United States. With an extensive tenure as the longest-serving attorney general in U.S. history, Miller has established himself as a staunch advocate for consumer rights and a leader in addressing emerging technology issues, data privacy, and online consumer protection. Throughout his career, Miller has effectively utilized his authority to protect consumers, tackling significant challenges such as the multi-state tobacco litigation, post-2008 mortgage crisis, and investigations into for-profit colleges and student lending. With a focus on adapting to the evolving landscape, Miller remains at the forefront of consumer advocacy and safeguarding privacy in the digital age.

Iowa is taking a step towards digital transformation by introducing a pilot program for digital driver's licenses, as reported by Government Technology. The state's Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division, under the leadership of Director Melissa Gillett, aims to make mobile IDs available for download on Apple and Android devices by the summer of 2022. The pilot program will run until December and will involve the participation of 100 Department of Transportation employees by the following spring. It's important to note that the digital ID will be optional for individuals. This initiative marks a significant advancement in Iowa's adoption of digital identification solutions.

‍