Privacy Laws in Wyoming: What You Need to Know

Wyoming is known for its wide-open spaces and independent spirit — and that extends to its approach to data privacy regulation. While the Cowboy State doesn't yet have a comprehensive consumer privacy law, it has several sector-specific protections in place and new legislation on the horizon. Here's what every Wyoming resident should know about their privacy rights in 2026.

Wyoming's Current Privacy Landscape

Like many states, Wyoming has taken a targeted rather than comprehensive approach to privacy law. The state does not have a broad consumer data privacy act comparable to the CCPA (California) or the CPA (Colorado). Instead, Wyoming relies on a combination of specific statutes, federal laws, and its consumer protection framework to address privacy concerns.

However, the Wyoming Legislature has been increasingly active on privacy issues, with several proposals moving through committees in recent sessions.

Wyoming's Data Breach Notification Law

Wyoming's primary privacy statute is its data breach notification law (W.S. § 40-12-502), which requires entities that own or license computerized data containing personal information about Wyoming residents to take specific steps when a breach occurs:

• Investigation requirement: Entities must conduct a good faith investigation upon discovering a security breach.
• Notification: If the investigation determines that misuse of personal information has occurred or is reasonably likely, the entity must notify affected Wyoming residents.
• Reasonable timeframe: Notification must be made in the most expedient time possible without unreasonable delay.
• Personal information covered: The law covers names combined with Social Security Numbers, driver's license or state ID numbers, and financial account or credit/debit card numbers.

Wyoming Genetic Data Privacy Act

Wyoming has enacted a Genetic Data Privacy Act that places requirements on how companies handle genetic information. The law mandates:

• Clear notice and consent requirements before collecting genetic data
• Transparency about how genetic data will be used and shared
• Enforcement authority granted to the Wyoming Attorney General

This law is particularly important given the growing popularity of direct-to-consumer DNA testing services and the sensitivity of genetic information.

The Wyoming Consumer Protection Act

The Wyoming Consumer Protection Act (W.S. § 40-12-101 et seq.) serves as a general consumer protection framework that can be applied to privacy violations. Under this statute, businesses that engage in deceptive or unconscionable trade practices — including misrepresenting their data security or privacy practices — can face enforcement action by the Wyoming Attorney General.

Pending Privacy Legislation

Wyoming's Legislature has been considering new privacy-related bills:

• Government Data Privacy Bill (SF0065/SF0020): A legislative committee has advanced a bill addressing data privacy for government entities. The bill passed unanimously from committee and is expected to be considered as a committee-sponsored bill during the 2026 budget session. This legislation aims to establish privacy protections for data held by state and local government agencies.

The bill has raised discussions about administrative costs, potential conflicts with Wyoming's public records laws, and the exclusion of corporate data from protections.

Federal Laws That Protect Wyoming Residents

In the absence of comprehensive state legislation, Wyoming residents can rely on these federal privacy protections:

• HIPAA: Protects health information held by covered entities and their business associates.
• COPPA: Requires websites and apps to obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13.
• GLBA: Mandates that financial institutions protect consumer data and explain their sharing practices.
• FERPA: Safeguards the privacy of student education records at schools receiving federal funding.
• FCRA: Regulates consumer reporting agencies and gives you rights regarding your credit information.

Your Privacy Rights in Wyoming

As a Wyoming resident, your current privacy rights include:

• Breach notification: The right to be notified if your personal data is compromised in a security breach.
• Credit protections: Free credit freezes, fraud alerts, and annual credit reports from each bureau.
• Genetic data controls: Consent requirements and transparency obligations for genetic testing companies.
• Consumer protection: The ability to file complaints with the Wyoming Attorney General about deceptive business practices involving your data.

How to Protect Your Privacy in Wyoming

Given Wyoming's limited state privacy protections, taking proactive steps is critical:

• Remove your data from brokers: People-search sites like Spokeo, BeenVerified, and Whitepages may already have your name, address, phone number, and more. Opt out individually or use PrivacyOn to remove your data from 100+ broker sites automatically.
• Freeze your credit: Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to place free credit freezes, preventing anyone from opening accounts in your name.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of protection to your email, banking, and social media accounts.
• Use a VPN: Encrypt your internet connection, especially on public Wi-Fi networks, which are common in Wyoming's rural areas and tourist destinations.
• Monitor the dark web: Check whether your personal information has been leaked in data breaches.

Wyoming may not yet have comprehensive privacy legislation, but you don't have to wait for lawmakers to act. PrivacyOn provides continuous data removal from 100+ data broker sites, 24/7 dark web monitoring, and affordable family plans starting at $8.33/month — giving Wyoming residents the proactive privacy protection that state law doesn't yet guarantee.