Connected Devices with Cameras or Microphones (P.A. 25-44)
CT Connected Devices
Other · Data security · Marketing
Before a connected device with a camera or microphone can be activated, the provider must show the initial purchaser a prescribed disclaimer and plain disclosures about recording, retention and sharing, and let them decline to activate the camera or microphone. Recordings may not be used or sold for targeted advertising without opt-in consent, and collected information must be reasonably secured.
- Where
- Connecticut
- Citation
- Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-531 (P.A. 25-44, s. 2)
- Status
- In force
- In force since
- 2026-07-01
- Enforced by
- Connecticut Attorney General / Department of Consumer Protection under CUTPA
- People can sue
- Limited
- Penalties
- Violations of 42-531(b)-(d) are unfair or deceptive trade practices under CUTPA (42-531(g)); the statute does not bar CUTPA's private action, so a person with an ascertainable loss may sue under 42-110g, and the Attorney General may seek up to $5,000 per wilful violation (42-110o).
- Applies to
- Manufacturers doing business in Connecticut of Internet-connected home appliances, televisions or toys with a camera or microphone, and contractors with access to those cameras, microphones or recordings (42-531(a))
What a privacy notice must say
- At first setup, display the statutory disclaimer that the device transmits audio and/or video that may be recorded, plus disclosures of the camera or microphone, activation commands, what is recorded or shared, and with whom.Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-531(b)(1)
Rights it gives people
- Let the initial consumer decline to activate the camera or microphone unless doing so would make the device useless.Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-531(b)(2)
Practices it requires
- Do not use or sell recordings for targeted advertising unless the initial consumer opts in.Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-531(d)
Security duties
- Implement reasonable security measures to protect personally identifying information collected through the camera or microphone.Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-531(c)
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-09-25 by research agent (Claude), primary sources.
Unverified: The P.A. 25-44 act PDF (bill number) was not separately fetched; citation relies on the 2026 Supplement source note. | Private right of action inferred from absence of a 'solely by the Attorney General' clause; not confirmed by case law.
Research reference, not legal advice.