WTVR, RICHMOND, Va. — A new Virginia law requires retailers to disclose when they collect data on reproductive and sexual health searches and purchases.
Virginians shopping online at Walmart are now seeing an unexpected message when they visit the retailer’s website. A new pop-up warns customers that the company is collecting data when they search for reproductive or sexual health products and even baby registries.
The message appears because Walmart is complying with a new Virginia law that took effect July 1. The legislation aims to protect reproductive and sexual health information by requiring companies to disclose if they are collecting or selling this information.
The pop-up requires Virginia shoppers to consent to the collection of their health data specifically related to searches for sexual and reproductive health products before they can continue using the site.
If customers don’t consent, the message advises them to avoid viewing, searching for, using or purchasing these products, services or features.
“It’s just weird to me,” said Jessica Oliver, a shopper interviewed about the new notification.
Another woman, who wished to remain anonymous, questioned the practice: “Why? That’s all I want to know. Why?”
The change comes after Virginia lawmakers passed legislation aimed at protecting people’s privacy regarding reproductive and sexual health information …
