The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), a federal law enacted in 1994, aims to safeguard the personal information of licensed drivers in the United States from misuse and disclosure. It was created in response to concerns over state agencies selling drivers’ information to marketing and insurance companies for profit.
The DPPA mandates that states protect individuals’ data in motor vehicle records, which includes details such as name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and more. It prohibits the unlawful acquisition of drivers’ information and imposes penalties for noncompliance, allowing affected individuals to seek damages.
Over time, the DPPA has been updated to address new privacy challenges and advancements in data management. Permissible uses of drivers’ information under the law include government functions, auto safety matters, insurance purposes, and more. States may have additional regulations to enhance data protection beyond the federal requirements.
As concerns around data privacy grow, there is a focus on passing new regulations to govern how companies handle consumer data in the U.S. Stay informed about the evolving landscape of data privacy protection laws to ensure compliance.