DEED Offers Updated Legal Guide to Privacy and Data Security

St. Paul - The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has teamed up with the law firm of Lathrop GPM to publish “A Legal Guide to Privacy and Data Security,” a free resource for Minnesota businesses.

“We are pleased to present this guide to help Minnesota businesses,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “The resource provides businesses with important information that will help them succeed in a competitive and global market.”

“A Legal Guide to Privacy and Data Security” offers guidance on a variety of privacy and data security-related laws, the impact of such laws on businesses, and best practices to mitigate risks. It covers key federal privacy and data security laws, Minnesota privacy laws, and privacy issues in the workplace, as well as compliance with global privacy and data security laws.

According to Michael Cohen, of Lathrop GPM and primary author of the guide, there have been significant legal developments including implementation of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and invalidation of the Privacy Shield , relied upon by thousands of U.S. companies to support cross-border data transfers.

”The GDPR created new obligations for businesses who offer goods and services to EU residents, with new enforcement mechanisms, and severe penalties for noncompliance. The loss of the Privacy Shield creates additional global compliance issues for Minnesota businesses,” said Cohen.

The potential impact of the GDPR, Privacy Shield, and other key developments are covered in the new guide, including data privacy legislation proposed in Minnesota that is similar to the GDPR, the California Consumer Privacy Act, and legislation proposed in Washington and other states.

The guide is available on DEED’s website and also available in print from DEED’s Small Business Assistance Office at 651-259-7476, 800-310-8323 or deed.mnsbao@state.mn.us. Requests also can be mailed to the Small Business Assistance Office at the First National Bank Building, 332 Minnesota St., Suite E-200, St. Paul, MN 55101-1351.

Copies also are available on Lathrop GPM’s website at lathropgpm.com or mail and phone requests to Michael Cohen, 612-632-3345, Lathrop GPM 500 IDS Center, 80 S. Eighth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.

Lathrop GPM was formed in 2020 through the combination of two 100+-year firms, both with strong Midwestern cores – Lathrop Gage (established in Kansas City in 1873) and Gray Plant Mooty (established in Minneapolis in 1866).

DEED is the state's principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website or follow us on Twitter.