Skip to content
See All Posts

Key Consumer Data Privacy Laws Retailers Should Know in 2025

By Alexis Porter , Content Marketing Manager

4 minute read

Retailers today live and breathe data. From personalized recommendations and loyalty programs to AI-powered inventory management, data fuels modern retail. But as data use accelerates, so does regulatory oversight.

In 2025, retailers are navigating an increasingly complex global patchwork of consumer data privacy laws—each with unique requirements, risks, and implications. Whether you’re a multinational brand or a growing DTC startup, understanding these laws is essential for staying compliant, avoiding fines, and building lasting customer trust.

This article breaks down every major data privacy law retailers should know, what they mean for your business, and how to build a proactive, privacy-first approach that scales.

See How a Global Retailer Streamlined DLM With BigID

Global Consumer Privacy Laws

Regulation Overview

GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation (EU)
  • Applies to any retailer collecting or processing data from EU residents, regardless of where your business is based.
  • Must have a lawful basis for collecting data (consent, contract, legal obligation, etc.)
  • Requires clear and granular opt-in consent for marketing
  • Customers have the right to access, delete, or correct their data

PIPL – Personal Information Protection Law (China)
  • One of the strictest privacy laws in the world, PIPL governs the data processing of individuals in China.
  • Requires explicit, informed consent for nearly all data uses
  • Sensitive personal information (biometrics, health, location, etc.) has stricter handling rules
  • Data localization and cross-border transfer restrictions can limit global operations

LGPD – Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (Brazil)
  • Brazil’s GDPR-style privacy law applies to any business processing data of Brazilian citizens.
  • Consumers have rights to access, correct, delete, and port their data
  • Sensitive data (e.g., health, biometrics, ethnicity) has stricter protection requirements
  • Companies must appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) and document processing activities

PDPL – Personal Data Protection Law (Saudi Arabia)
  • Saudi Arabia’s PDPL is the Kingdom’s first comprehensive data privacy law, with enforcement set to begin in 2025
  • Requires explicit consent for processing most personal data
  • Data must be stored within the Kingdom unless specific exemptions are granted
  • Retailers operating in or targeting KSA must localize systems or apply for cross-border transfer approvals

PDPA – Personal Data Protection Act (Thailand)
  • Requires clear consent before collecting or using personal data
  • Consumers have rights to access, correct, and delete their data
  • Data controllers must provide transparent privacy notices and appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) when applicable
  • Retailers must ensure vendors and marketing partners also comply with PDPA standards

U.S. State Privacy Laws Retailers Must Watch

There’s no single federal U.S. privacy law; however, several states have implemented comprehensive legislation that affects how retailers collect, use, and share consumer data.

1. California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)

The CPRA amends and strengthens the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), making it the most comprehensive state privacy law in the U.S. today.

Retail impact:

  • Consumers can opt out of selling or sharing data, including for advertising
  • Businesses must offer transparent privacy notices and self-service data access tools
  • Introduces limits on retention, data minimization, and stricter rules for handling sensitive personal information

2. Colorado Privacy Act (CPA)

Applies to businesses that process data from 100,000+ Colorado residents or profit from selling data.

Retail impact:

  • Requires data protection assessments for high-risk processing
  • Mandates opt-out options for targeted advertising and data sales
  • Contracts with processors must detail privacy and security obligations

3. Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA)

Covers businesses processing data of at least 100,000 Virginia residents, with a design similar to Colorado and California laws.
Retail impact:

  • Strong emphasis on transparency for targeted advertising and profiling
  • Provides consumers the right to access, correct, delete, and opt out of personal data use
  • Fewer operational requirements compared to CPRA, but stricter opt-out rights

4. Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA)

Adopts many GDPR-like principles, tailored for businesses serving Connecticut residents.

Retail impact:

  • Requires explicit consent for processing sensitive personal data
  • Parental consent is needed for data collection from users under 16
  • Consumers can opt out of targeted advertising and profiling

5. Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA)

Came into effect in 2024 and applies broadly to nearly all businesses operating in Texas.

Retail impact:

  • Covers both in-store and online customer data collection
  • Applies regardless of revenue size or data volume, making scope especially broad
  • Aligns with trends of rising enforcement and consumer rights across states

How BigID Helps Retailers Navigate Consumer Privacy Laws with Confidence

BigID is the industry-leading platform for data privacy, security, compliance, and AI data management, giving organizations greater visibility into their data. BigID helps retailers go beyond checkbox compliance to build scalable, intelligent privacy programs. Whether you’re handling GDPR, CPRA, or preparing for AI regulation, BigID is built to scale.

With BigID, you can:

  • Discover customer data across Salesforce, Snowflake, SAP, and more
  • Classify structured + unstructured data across marketing, sales, operations, and supply chain
  • Map data to global privacy laws and automate compliance workflows
  • Detect risky or stale data before it impacts customer trust or brand reputation
  • Enable secure AI and analytics with governed, high-quality data

To see how BigID can help you stay compliant and reduce risk— book a 1:1 demo with our experts today.

Author

Avatar photo

Alexis Porter

Content Marketing Manager

Alexis serves as Content Marketing Manager for industry leading DSPM provider, BigID. She specializes in helping tech startups craft and hone their voice— to tell more compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. She holds a bachelors degree in Professional Writing and a Master’s degree in Marketing Communication from the University of Denver. Alexis is based out of Orlando, FL.

Contents

Automated Data Security & Compliance for Retailers

Download the solution brief to see how BigID enables retailers to gain complete visibility and insight into critical business data, manage risk, address data vulnerabilities, enforce security policies, secure data, and comply with regulatory requirements.

Download Solution Brief

Related posts

See All Posts