Hello, privacy pros! 

The end of the year is typically a time of reflection and this year has certainly given us a lot to think about. That is particularly true in privacy — there has been no shortage of news this year. We are certainly not complaining! 

I thought I would share a few of our most-read U.S. privacy stories for 2021. Don't worry, we're compiling a larger list of the most-read privacy articles for you. That will be out soon. 

Given the flurry of activity at the state level, it is not surprising that state privacy stories were some of the most read this year. Former IAPP Westin Research Fellow Sarah Rippy broke down Virginia's Consumer Data Privacy Act, including its scope, exemptions, the data rights it gives to state residents and compared it to other privacy laws. She also broke down the Colorado Privacy Act, including the scope, exemptions and the consumer rights it gives citizens.

Just behind state privacy news, another hot topic revolved around "Schrems II" and who would lead negotiations with the EU for a new Privacy Shield under the Biden administration. IAPP Vice President & Chief Knowledge Officer Caitlin Fennessy provided insight into Christopher Hoff's career before he was appointed deputy assistant secretary for services at the U.S. Department of Commerce and why it was an early signal of the Biden administration's intention to focus on privacy policy in the international realm.

Wrapping up this brief glimpse into the most-read stories is a look at federal privacy legislation. IAPP Senior Westin Fellow Müge Fazlioglu analyzed the first comprehensive piece of federal legislation introduced in 2021, the Information Transparency and Personal Data Control Act.

On a lighter note, we asked privacy pros what their favorite privacy-themed books were, and readers answered in droves. While this was initially a summer reading list, there might be something here to enjoy over the holiday break. Wrap up in a cozy blanket, grab a cup of hot tea, a book, and you might be able to convince yourself you're at the beach. And, something to add to your to-be-read list, and something that has full approval from George Orwell's estate — a feminist retelling of "1984."

This is my last letter for 2021, so thank you for reading and wishing you the happiest holiday season.