Oregon’s new privacy chief says it’s ‘Groundhog Day’ after time in Nevada

August 20, 2026 - 01:52

When Michael Hanna-Butros Meyering took over as Oregon's first chief privacy officer, he expected some differences from his previous role in Nevada. What he found instead felt like a rerun. Meyering described the experience as "Groundhog Day," noting that the technology and privacy challenges in Oregon mirror those he dealt with in Nevada almost exactly.

Meyering spent several years working on privacy and data security issues for the state of Nevada. Now in Oregon, he sees the same patterns emerging. State agencies struggle with outdated systems, inconsistent data handling practices, and a growing need to protect citizen information while still delivering services efficiently. The staffing shortages and budget constraints are also similar, he said. The problems are not unique to any one state, but rather reflect a broader trend in government technology where privacy protections often lag behind new tools and data collection methods.

One of the biggest hurdles, according to Meyering, is getting different agencies to adopt common standards. Each department tends to develop its own approach to data, which creates gaps in security and makes oversight harder. He wants to change that by building a more unified framework for how Oregon handles personal information. This includes clearer rules on data retention, better training for employees, and stronger review processes before new systems go live.

Meyering also emphasized that privacy work is not just about compliance. It is about earning public trust. People need to know their information is safe when they interact with state services, whether that is applying for benefits, renewing a license, or filing taxes. He acknowledged that progress will take time, but he is determined to push forward. His experience in Nevada taught him that change happens incrementally, and that persistence is key. For now, he is focused on the basics: identifying the biggest risks, fixing the most critical gaps, and building relationships with agency leaders who can help drive reform.