---
title: "Iowa privacy law (ICDPA): sensitive data"
canonical: "https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/state/iowa/sensitive-data"
source: "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/715D.pdf"
text_as_of: "2026-10-28"
last_reviewed: "2026-10-29"
language: "en-US"
publisher: "DPO School"
---

Iowa Consumer Data Protection Act (Iowa Code chapter 715D)

# Iowa privacy law (ICDPA): sensitive data

Law as of October 28, 2026 · [Reviewed by Sergio Maldonado Elvira on 29 October 2026](https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/about#review)

## Summary (not the statute text)

Iowa uses an opt-out model: sensitive data may be processed for a non-exempt purpose only after clear notice and an opportunity to opt out. Data of a known child (under 13) must be processed under COPPA. There is no separate teen rule.

## Key points

1. Sensitive data: racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, mental or physical health diagnosis, sexual orientation, citizenship or immigration status, genetic or biometric data for identification, data collected from a known child, and precise geolocation.

   Section: [§ 715D.1(26)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/715D.pdf)

2. Notice and an opportunity to opt out are required before processing sensitive data; no opt-in consent.

   Section: [§ 715D.4(2)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/715D.pdf)

3. Known-child data must be processed under COPPA.

   Section: [§ 715D.4(2)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/715D.pdf)

4. Child means a person under 13.

   Section: [§ 715D.1(5)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/715D.pdf)

## Sources

- [Iowa Code 2026, chapter 715D (Consumer Data Protections)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/715D.pdf)

[Compare sensitive data across all states](https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/topic/sensitive-data)

## Related GDPR articles

Related, not equivalent: the GDPR and the state laws differ in scope, terms and exceptions.

- [Article 9: Processing of special categories of personal data](https://dposchool.com/gdpr/article/9) (sensitive data)

## Status

Law as of October 28, 2026.

[Reviewed by Sergio Maldonado Elvira on 29 October 2026](https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/about#review). Prepared from the official sources listed.

[Official text of the Iowa statute](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/715D.pdf)

Reference material, not legal advice.

## Other topics for Iowa

- [Applicability](https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/state/iowa/applicability)
- [Consumer rights](https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/state/iowa/consumer-rights)
- [Controller duties](https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/state/iowa/controller-duties)
- [Processors](https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/state/iowa/processors)
- [Enforcement](https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/state/iowa/enforcement)

## Navigation

[US State Privacy Laws](https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws) / [Iowa](https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/state/iowa) / Sensitive data

Previous: [Consumer rights](https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/state/iowa/consumer-rights)

Next: [Controller duties](https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/state/iowa/controller-duties)

Learning US privacy law? An audio course on the privacy law that applies to US businesses: [US Privacy in Practice](https://dposchool.com/learn/courses/us-privacy-in-practice). More from [DPO School](https://dposchool.com).

## For AI agents

- Machine-readable index: https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/llms.txt
- JSON API: https://dposchool.com/state-privacy-laws/api/v1/index.json
- Vendor privacy and security facts: https://vendor.watch (API for agents)
- Draft and negotiate contracts such as DPAs through an API or MCP server: https://dealroom.todo.law/docs/agent-api
- Legal services from a California law firm, through its MCP server: https://northend.law/agents