Last updated on Jan 01 2023

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a ground-breaking piece of legislation that provides California consumers with greater control over their personal information. This law went into effect on January 1, 2020, and has significant implications for businesses that collect, use, and share personal information about California consumers.

One of the key provisions of the CCPA is the right to know what personal information a business has collected about a consumer. This means that consumers can request a copy of personal information that a business has collected about them, and the business must provide this information within 45 days of the request.

In addition to the right to know, the CCPA also gives consumers the right to request that a business delete any personal information that it has collected about them. This right is not absolute, and there are some exceptions, such as when information is necessary for the business to complete a transaction or provide a requested service.

Another key provision of the CCPA is the requirement for businesses to disclose what personal information they collect, how it is used, and with whom it is shared. This requirement applies to businesses that collect personal information from Californian consumers and that have at least $25 million in annual revenue or that collect personal information from 50,000 or more consumers.

The CCPA also includes a number of provisions designed to protect the privacy of all children under the age of 16. For example, businesses are prohibited from selling the personal information of children under 16 years old without obtaining affirmative consent from their parents or guardians.

In addition to the rights and protections provided by the CCPA, the law also allows California consumers to file lawsuits against businesses that violate their privacy rights. This means that businesses that fail to comply with the CCPA could be subject to significant fines and penalties.