1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support LD 1822, the Maine Online Data Privacy Act. In an era when our daily lives are deeply intertwined with technology, the protection of personal data is no longer an abstract policy discussion; it is a matter of dignity, safety, and basic autonomy. Maine residents deserve to know that their personal information is not being quietly harvested, sold, and exploited without meaningful safeguards. For many people, their digital footprint reveals far more than they realize. It can expose health concerns, religious beliefs, political views, financial vulnerability, and the physical locations of themselves and their families. When this information is treated as a commodity rather than as an extension of a person’s identity, it creates serious risks. Survivors of domestic violence, stalking victims, and vulnerable populations are particularly endangered when location data or sensitive personal details can be purchased or misused by bad actors. Passing LD 1822 would significantly strengthen protections for individuals who rely on privacy as a shield for their personal safety. This bill is also essential from a national security perspective. Large-scale data harvesting has become a valuable target for foreign adversaries and criminal organizations seeking to build detailed profiles of American citizens. When companies collect and store excessive amounts of personal data, it creates massive databases that can be exploited through cyberattacks, espionage, or data brokerage. By requiring companies to collect only what is necessary and by limiting the sale of sensitive information, LD 1822 helps reduce the risk of Maine residents’ data being weaponized by hostile entities. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence further amplifies the urgency of this legislation. AI systems rely heavily on personal data to operate, and without clear guardrails, these systems can reinforce discrimination in housing, employment, lending, and access to essential services. Maine has the opportunity to lead the nation by ensuring technological innovation does not come at the cost of fairness and civil rights. LD 1822 strikes a responsible balance between innovation and protection. It does not prevent businesses from operating or from serving customers effectively. Instead, it establishes reasonable boundaries that respect consumer trust and long-term economic stability. Strong privacy protections foster confidence, and consumer confidence is vital for a healthy digital economy. Maine has long been a leader in protecting its residents, and supporting LD 1822 continues that proud tradition. I respectfully urge you to vote in favor of this legislation and stand for the privacy, safety, and security of Maine families.