The Arkansas Digital Responsibility, Safety, and Trust Act introduces a new chapter to the Arkansas Code aimed at enhancing personal privacy protections for residents in the digital landscape. The bill emphasizes the importance of privacy as a fundamental right and addresses the risks associated with the collection and dissemination of personal information, particularly in the context of advancing technologies like artificial intelligence and smart devices. Key provisions include definitions of terms related to data privacy, such as "algorithmic discrimination" and "biometric data," and mandates that organizations implement reasonable measures to protect personal information while ensuring clear consumer consent for data processing.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific rights for consumers regarding their personal data, including the right to access, correct, delete, and opt out of data processing for targeted advertising. It establishes guidelines for the handling of sensitive data, prohibits misleading user interfaces, and requires businesses to maintain records of deletion requests. The legislation also sets forth responsibilities for both data controllers and processors, emphasizing data minimization and security practices. The Attorney General is granted enforcement authority to oversee compliance, with violations classified as unfair and deceptive practices. The effective date for various sections of the bill is set for January 1, 2026, allowing for a structured implementation of these new privacy protections.