Alan L. Friel is Chair of Squire Patton Boggs’ Data Privacy, Cybersecurity & Digital Assets Practice. He is tier-1 ranked by Chambers, and BTI Consulting Group has named Alan a Client Service All-Star, recognizing lawyers who stand above all others in delivering exceptional client service.

Evolving privacy regulations like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) are reshaping the way companies approach data management and compliance. CCPA’s proposed draft regulations would require certain businesses to conduct cybersecurity audits, privacy risk assessments, and implement governance surrounding automated decision-making and AI technologies. While these frameworks help protect consumer data, they also introduce operational challenges and increased expenses for companies. How can companies prepare for compliance while effectively managing data and reducing costs?

Privacy compliance is more than a legal requirement — it’s a vital part of sound business strategy. Navigating compliance obligations requires companies to adopt a proactive approach to data governance. Businesses need to implement good data hygiene practices and conduct privacy risk assessments to identify and mitigate risks. These processes help businesses maintain their data inventory, respond to consumer privacy rights requests, and manage information assets. However, the legal landscape remains complicated, with questions about whether some regulatory requirements may conflict with First Amendment protections.

In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels speak with Alan Friel, Chair of the Data Privacy, Cybersecurity & Digital Assets Practice at Squire Patton Boggs, about the costs, benefits, and legal implications of regulatory compliance. Alan explains why businesses should adopt privacy risk assessments as a best practice, regardless of ongoing legal uncertainties, and discusses the intersection of privacy regulations with free speech rights under the First Amendment. He emphasizes the importance of proactive data management practices and governance to navigate compliance challenges and position businesses for long-term success in a shifting regulatory environment.