CCPA: the California Consumer Privacy Act

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a landmark piece of legislation enacted in California to strengthen the privacy rights and data protection of its residents. Effective January 1, 2020, the CCPA grants consumers greater control over their personal information collected by businesses.

Key Provisions of the CCPA:

• Right to Know: Consumers have the right to know what personal information businesses collect about them, how it's used, and with whom it's shared.
• Right to Delete: Consumers can request the deletion of their personal information held by businesses, with certain exceptions.
• Right to Opt-Out: Consumers have the right to prevent businesses from selling their personal information to third parties.
• Right to Non-Discrimination: Businesses are prohibited from discriminating against consumers who exercise their CCPA rights.
• Impact of the CCPA: The CCPA has had a significant impact on how businesses handle consumer data. Companies have been required to update their privacy policies, implement mechanisms for consumers to exercise their rights, and re-evaluate their data collection and sharing practices.

Who Does the CCPA Apply To?

The CCPA applies to for-profit entities that do business in California and meet certain thresholds, including:

• Annual gross revenue exceeding $25 million.
• Buying, selling, or sharing the personal information of 50,000 or more California consumers, households, or devices.
• Deriving 50% or more of their annual revenue from selling California consumers' personal information.

Understanding CCPA Compliance: Complying with the CCPA involves a range of obligations for businesses, including:

• Providing consumers with a clear and accessible privacy policy.
• Responding to consumer requests to exercise their CCPA rights.
• Implementing reasonable security measures to protect consumer data. The CCPA is a complex law with far-reaching implications.

Businesses subject to the CCPA should seek legal guidance to ensure compliance and mitigate potential risks.