Illinois Businesses: Four Important Tech Laws To Know in 2026

When it comes to adding new technology tools to your business for a digital transformation, it’s easy to get excited and eager to expand your digital capabilities. There’s no problem with an “onward and upward” mentality for new tools (we encourage it!), but it's important to take a moment to consider tech laws and regulations specific to your state. Illinois has guidelines set in place to protect consumers and businesses alike, ensuring fairness and safeguarding personal information. Below you’ll find a few key Illinois tech laws that businesses should consider when adopting new technology in 2026.

Illinois Personal Information Protection Act

What is it: The Illinois Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) requires any entity, business or organization that handles non-public personal information to notify users that are Illinois residents in the event that there is a data breach in their system. The law categorizes personal information including identifiers like names, emails and addresses along with specific sensitive items including but not limited to Social Security Numbers and Credit or Debit Card information.

When data breaches occur, organizations are required to notify Illinois residents immediately, unless a delay in notification is specifically requested by law enforcement. Notifications must be sent in a written notice or a compliant form of electronic notice. In the event of a data breach affecting more than 50,000 users, companies must notify major statewide media.

Who does it protect: The Illinois Personal Information Protection Act helps users act quickly when their data is compromised.

What areas does it impact: Data, Customer Information and Ecommerce

Biometric Information Privacy Act

What is it: Passed in 2008, the Biometric Information Privacy act requires organizations that collect any biometric information, such as face or finger print scans for digital platform access, to obtain written consent from users before collecting their information. Organizations must also inform users about what information is being collected, where it is stored and the length of time it will be used. The law makes it illegal for companies to sell or profit off of a user’s biometric data in any way.

Who does it protect: Consumers.

What areas does it impact: Security and access technology.

AI in Hiring Amendment

What is it: A new amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act, effective this year, the amendment requires employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations in Illinois to disclose if they use AI for any employment decisions. Employers must disclose how they use AI in the hiring process, and are prohibited from using any AI technology that discriminates on the basis of protected characteristics such as race, gender or disability.

Who does it protect? This amendment protects employees and jobseekers from discrimination within the hiring process.

What areas does it impact? Hiring and Human Resources

Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act

What is it: The Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITA), along with Section 508 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, requires any website, information system or information technology operated by the state of Illinois or an Illinois university meet the accessibility standards of federal 508 Standards and World Wide Web Consortium's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

Though this law does not regulate Illinois businesses directly, it can have an indirect impact on private businesses and organizations. Under Title III of the federal Americans With Disabilities Act, all public-facing businesses are already mandated to provide full and equal online access to goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations. Contractors and organizations working or funded by the State of Illinois must additionally comply with the IITA and Section 508. Non-compliance with ADA Title III, IITA and Section 508 opens businesses up to legal risks or a loss of funding from the State of Illinois.

For more information on accessibility requirements for each law, click here.

Who does it protect: Employees and consumers with accessibility needs.

What areas does it impact: Website Design, Digital Marketing, IT Technology

About N2 Solutions

N2 Solutions is your partner in marketing, infrastructure and IT technology solutions compliant with Illinois state laws.

Have a question about tech compliance? Our team is here to help!