Data Security and Privacy Predictions for 2021: 6 Issues to Watch

2020 was unprecedented. With the COVID-19 pandemic, large-scale nation-state cyber intrusions, and tensions with China over technology, new data security and privacy issues emerged rapidly. With a new administration, there undoubtedly will be new approaches to addressing these issues in the coming year.

What to expect in 2021? O’Melveny’s Data Security and Privacy team takes a look at some of the major issues that will define the coming year, including: the coordination of technology security efforts, the EU data problem, the regulation of artificial intelligence, the surge in ransomware, potential federal and state privacy legislation, and developments in Chinese privacy law.

This memorandum is a summary for general information and discussion only and may be considered an advertisement for certain purposes. It is not a full analysis of the matters presented, may not be relied upon as legal advice, and does not purport to represent the views of our clients or the Firm. Tod Cohen, an O’Melveny partner licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia, Michael R. Dreeben, an O’Melveny partner licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia, Randall W. Edwards, an O’Melveny partner licensed to practice law in California, Scott Pink, an O’Melveny special counsel licensed to practice law in California and Illinois, John Dermody, an O’Melveny counsel licensed to practice law in California and the District of Columbia, Evan N. Schlom, an O’Melveny counsel licensed to practice law in California and the District of Columbia, Bo Li, an O’Melveny associate licensed to practice law in New York, and Kristin R. Marshall, an O’Melveny associate licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and Missouri, contributed to the content of this newsletter. The views expressed in this newsletter are the views of the authors except as otherwise noted.

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