ACLU-NM asks lawmakers for stronger consumer data rules

What the ACLU is seeking

The ACLU of New Mexico asked state lawmakers on Oct. 8 to strengthen protections for residents whose personal information is collected by technology companies and data brokers.

During a presentation to the interim Science, Technology and Telecommunications Committee, policy advocate Tatiana Prieto said people can be tracked while using apps, social media or online searches. Public policy director Deanna Warren said New Mexico lacks specific consumer safeguards covering biometric information, location records and some health data.

The organization called for a comprehensive privacy law that would strictly limit collection of biometric and health information. Its proposal also would require consumers to opt in before their information is collected and would bar companies and data brokers from using misleading or manipulative methods to obtain consent.

More than 20 states have enacted or signed laws regulating technology companies or protecting personal data, according to the International Association of Privacy Professionals’ Westin Research Center. Prieto pointed to data-minimization rules in California and Maryland, as well as enforcement provisions concerning sensitive health information in Washington and Virginia.

Proposals for the 2027 session

Attorney General Raúl Torrez and state Rep. Linda Serrato announced plans in September for a Consumer Protection and Fair Pricing Act. The proposal would regulate personalized pricing, in which artificial intelligence is used to offer different prices to different customers. Torrez and Serrato have not said whether it will contain the protections sought by the ACLU.

Rep. Christine Chandler warned lawmakers against adopting privacy rules that offer weak protections. She said technology-industry lobbyists opposed an artificial intelligence regulation bill she sponsored during the 2026 session; that measure did not pass.

Rep. Tara Lujan said she plans to reintroduce a “No Fakes” bill addressing AI-generated deepfake images. Sen. Anthony Thornton also expressed support for regulating AI deepfakes.