New Illinois Legislation Aims to Regulate AI and Enhance Data Privacy
New Illinois Legislation Aims to Regulate AI and Enhance Data Privacy
Publish Date: 2026-02-18 09:57:00
Source Domain: thetimesweekly.com
State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a comprehensive package of legislation aimed at protecting Illinois residents from unchecked artificial intelligence, strengthening data privacy rights, improving online safety for young people and holding AI developers and data center operators accountable for real-world harms.
“As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in our daily lives, Illinois has a responsibility to ensure innovation does not come at the expense of privacy, safety or basic fairness,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “These bills put people first by setting clear rules, increasing transparency and protecting consumers, workers and communities.”
The legislative package includes Senate Bill 2994 to safeguard sensitive personal data, including neural and biometric information collected by consumer devices such as health apps, sleep trackers and wearable technology. By extending privacy protections to emerging forms of neuro-data, the legislation would prevent companies from exploiting deeply personal biological information without meaningful consent.
Ventura’s proposal also includes Senate Bill 3890, which would establish a comprehensive data privacy and artificial intelligence governance framework modeled on leading protections adopted in Minnesota and California. The bill would grant consumers the right to access, correct, delete and transfer their personal data and to opt out of targeted advertising, data sales and profiling, particularly when automated systems are used to make decisions affecting housing, employment or other significant life outcomes. It would require businesses to minimize data collection, obtain affirmative consent for sensitive data, conduct risk assessments for high-risk AI systems and implement safeguards against bias and discrimination – with heightened protections for children and vulnerable populations.
Senate Bill 2995 would strengthen transparency and accountability around AI use by requiring…
