Consumer Rights Under New Privacy Laws 2025: Protect Your Online Privacy

Overview

In 2025, new privacy laws across the U.S. and beyond are giving consumers more control over their personal data. From deleting your information to opting out of targeted ads, these laws empower you to protect your online privacy. This guide breaks down your rights and offers practical steps to stay secure.

Why Privacy Laws Matter in 2025

Your personal information—name, address, browsing habits—is constantly collected by companies, often without your knowledge. Data brokers compile and sell this information, leading to spam, scams, or even identity theft. I’ve seen friends overwhelmed by robocalls after their data was exposed, and it’s frustrating to feel powerless. That’s where consumer rights under new privacy laws 2025 come in. These laws, rolling out in states like Delaware, Iowa, and Minnesota, give you tools to take back control.

New laws like the Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act (DPDPA) and Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act (MCDPA) let you access, correct, or delete your data. Some even allow you to see which third parties have your information. For example, Maryland’s Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA) bans certain data sales, especially sensitive categories like health or biometric data. These changes reflect a growing demand for transparency, with 82% of the global population now covered by privacy laws, according to a 2025 IAPP report.

Your Rights Under 2025 Privacy Laws

Consumer rights under new privacy laws 2025 vary by state, but most share common themes. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:

These rights mean you can demand companies tell you what data they have, fix inaccuracies, or remove it entirely. For instance, Minnesota’s MCDPA lets you contest automated profiling decisions, like those used in job applications. I once helped a friend request their data from a retailer, only to find it included their purchase history from years ago. Knowing you have these rights is empowering, but acting on them is key.

Simple Steps to Lock Down Your Online Privacy

Taking control of your data doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are simple steps to lock down your online privacy, based on what I’ve learned from managing my own digital footprint:

1. Review Privacy Policies: Check the privacy policies of websites and apps you use. Look for how they collect and share data. If they don’t comply with laws like the GDPR or CCPA, consider switching to privacy-focused alternatives.
2. Opt-Out of Data Sharing: Use opt-out tools provided by companies. For example, you can disable ad tracking on your phone’s settings (iOS: Settings > Privacy > Tracking; Android: Settings > Google > Ads).
3. Delete Unused Accounts: Old accounts are data leaks waiting to happen. I deleted a decade-old social media profile and instantly saw fewer spam emails.
4. Use Privacy Tools: Tools like VPNs, ad-blockers, and private browsers (e.g., Firefox, Brave) reduce tracking. I’ve used NordVPN for years, and it’s cut down on targeted ads significantly.
5. Request Data Deletion: Contact companies directly or use services like Incogni to automate removal requests. More on that below.

These steps are straightforward but make a big difference. Start small—tackle one or two this week—and you’ll feel more in control.

How to Set Up Incogni to Delete Personal Data

One of the most effective online privacy tools I’ve tested is Incogni, a service that automates data removal from brokers. It leverages laws like the CCPA and GDPR to force companies to delete your info. Here’s how to set up Incogni to delete personal data, based on my experience:

1. Sign Up: Visit Incogni’s website and create an account. You’ll need to provide your name, email, phone number, and address. Don’t worry—Incogni uses this only to find and remove your data.
2. Authorize Requests: Sign a digital authorization form. This gives Incogni legal permission to act on your behalf, ensuring brokers comply with removal requests.
3. Monitor Progress: Incogni’s dashboard shows which brokers have your data and the status of removal requests (e.g., completed, in progress). I was shocked to see 79 files with my info in the first week!
4. Follow Up: Incogni sends requests every 60-90 days to catch new data. Some brokers take up to 45 days to comply, so patience is key.

Incogni removed 101 of my data files in a month, including from sketchy people-search sites. It’s not perfect—public records like court documents won’t be removed—but it’s a game-changer for reducing your digital footprint. Learn more at Incogni’s website.

Top Online Privacy Tools for 2025

Beyond Incogni, other online privacy tools can help you stay secure. Here’s a curated list based on my research and testing:

• NordVPN: Encrypts your internet connection, hiding your activity from trackers. Great for browsing safely on public Wi-Fi.
• DeleteMe: Similar to Incogni, it removes your data from brokers but covers more sites (750+ vs. Incogni’s 420+). It’s pricier, though.
• Privacy Bee: Focuses on both brokers and marketers, reducing spam calls and emails.
• Brave Browser: Blocks trackers and ads by default, making it a go-to for private browsing.

Each tool has strengths. I use Brave daily for its speed and privacy, while Incogni handles the heavy lifting for data removal. Combining these tools creates a robust privacy shield.

Challenges and What to Watch For

While consumer rights under new privacy laws 2025 are a step forward, challenges remain. Not all states have identical laws—Iowa’s ICDPA, for example, doesn’t include correction rights. Businesses may also drag their feet, with some taking the full 90 days to respond to requests. I’ve dealt with companies that ignored my deletion requests until I cited specific laws like the CCPA.

Another issue is enforcement. Most laws rely on state attorneys general, not individual lawsuits, which can limit accountability. The lack of a federal law, like the stalled American Privacy Rights Act (APRA), means you’ll need to navigate a patchwork of state rules. Stay informed by checking updates from sources like the Federal Trade Commission or privacy advocacy groups.

Pro tip: If a company doesn’t comply, forward their response to a service like Incogni or contact your state’s attorney general. Persistence pays off.

Summary

Consumer rights under new privacy laws 2025 give you unprecedented control over your personal data. By understanding your rights and using tools like Incogni, NordVPN, and Brave, you can lock down your online privacy effectively. Start with simple steps—delete old accounts, opt-out of tracking, and automate data removal. Your digital security is worth the effort.