A new study estimates that "U.S. states gave out $3.425 billion in privacy-related fines in 2025," highlighting the importance for insights companies and organizations to focus on compliance with the growing patchwork of state privacy laws.
Gartner released the study on April 28, 2026, further estimating that, “more fines have been levied due to violations of privacy laws in 2025 than the last five years combined. This trend is expected to accelerate through 2028."
The study recommended companies reassess their existing privacy programs “in light of the enforcement push,” making sure that they continue “to provide adequate and defensible compliance.” It also recommended focusing on “privacy user experience (UX),” since most violations and fines appeared to be “directly associated with shortcomings in one or more aspects of the privacy UX, such as subject rights, consent or privacy notices.”
For more on how insights companies and organizations can come to grips with all the comprehensive state privacy laws, see the Insights Association’s State Privacy Law Portal.
This information is not intended and should not be construed as or substituted for legal advice. It is provided for informational purposes only. It is advisable to consult with private counsel on the precise scope and interpretation of any laws/regulation/legislation and their impact on your particular business.
About the Author
Based in Washington, DC, Howard is the Insights Association's lobbyist for the marketing research and data analytics industry, focusing primarily on consumer privacy and data security, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), tort reform, and the funding and integrity of the decennial Census and the American Community Survey (ACS).
Howard has more than two decades of public policy experience. Before the Insights Association, he worked in Congress as senior legislative staffer for then-Representatives Christopher Cox (CA-48) and Cliff Stearns (FL-06). He also served more than four years with a science policy think tank, working to improve the understanding of scientific and social research and methodology among journalists and policymakers.
Howard is also co-director of The Census Project, a 900+ member coalition in support of a fair and accurate Census and ACS.
He has also served previously on the Board of Directors for the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics and and the Association of Government Relations Professionals.
Howard has an MA International Relations from the University of Essex in England and a BA Honors Political Studies from Trent University in Canada, and has obtained the Certified Association Executive (CAE), Professional Lobbying Certificate (PLC) and the Public Policy Certificate (PPC).
When not running advocacy for the Insights Association, Howard enjoys hockey, NFL football, sci-fi and horror movies, playing with his dog, and spending time with family and friends.