CCPA

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a state-wide data privacy law that took effect in 2020, designed to give California residents greater control over their personal information. Modeled in part after the European Union’s GDPR, the CCPA provides consumers with rights to know what personal data is being collected, the ability to access that information, and the option to request its deletion. It also allows consumers to opt-out of the sale of their personal information and places an obligation on businesses to disclose how they are using and sharing data.

CCPA applies to companies that do business in California and meet specific criteria, such as having annual gross revenues exceeding $25 million, or handling the personal data of 50,000 or more California residents. Businesses must implement measures to protect consumers’ data and inform them about their rights. Failure to comply with the CCPA can result in fines, with penalties reaching up to $7,500 per violation. The law empowers consumers to take legal action in the event of data breaches, ensuring that organizations prioritize data privacy and transparency.