New Jersey Data Privacy Law 2025: What Businesses Need to Know Now
Posted on: July 30, 2025
What Is the New Jersey Data Privacy Act (NJDPA)?
The NJDPA is New Jersey’s first comprehensive consumer privacy law. It gives residents the right to:
- Access their personal data
- Delete their data
- Correct inaccurate data
- Opt out of targeted ads, data sales, and profiling
- Receive a copy of their data (data portability)
For businesses, the NJDPA requires:
- Transparent privacy policies
- Fast response to user requests (within 45 days)
- Data protection assessments for risky practices
- Respect for global opt-out signals (starting 2026)
Who Does the NJ Data Privacy Law Apply To?
The NJDPA applies to any business that:
- Operates in New Jersey or targets New Jersey residents, AND
- Processes personal data from 100,000 or more individuals per year (excluding purely transactional data), OR
- Processes 25,000 or more individuals and gets 50% or more of revenue from selling personal data.
Note: Unlike other states, nonprofits are not exempt.
What Makes New Jersey’s Privacy Law Different?
Several key features make the NJDPA stand out:
- Universal opt-out required starting in 2026.
- No private right of action; only the Attorney General can enforce it.
- Broad scope of sensitive data, including religion, race, health data, and more.
How Will New Jersey Enforce the NJDPA?
The New Jersey Attorney General will enforce the law. From January 2025 to July 2026, businesses get a 30-day cure period to fix violations. After that, noncompliance could lead to fines or legal action.
How Should Businesses Prepare for NJDPA?
Key steps to prepare:
1. Audit your data collection and sharing practices.
2. Update your privacy policies for clarity and compliance.
3. Create internal processes to handle consumer data requests.
4. Implement tools to respect opt-out signals and consent preferences.
5. Review contracts with data vendors and partners.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey’s Privacy Law
Is the New Jersey Data Privacy Act like the CCPA or GDPR?
Yes. The NJDPA is similar to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Does the NJDPA apply to companies outside New Jersey?
Yes. If your business targets or serves New Jersey residents and meets the data thresholds, you are required to comply.
What counts as “personal data” under NJDPA?
Any information that can reasonably identify an individual, including name, email, IP address, purchase history, geolocation, and sensitive data.
Final Thoughts: Privacy Regulation Is Now a Business Imperative
New Jersey’s new data privacy law adds pressure to an already complex regulatory environment. But it also presents an opportunity: Businesses that prioritize privacy and transparency will stand out, build trust, and stay ahead of future legislation.
The NJDPA is coming. Smart companies will be ready.
Call Ellis Law at 732-308-0200 or contact us online to learn more and schedule a free consultation. Located in Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.
