The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a law that grants Californian consumers significant privacy rights and protections. CCPA applies to businesses operating in California, regardless of their location, and gives consumers the right to know what personal information is being collected about them, the right to access and delete that information, and the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information. In this article, we will explore the CCPA in more detail and discuss how it benefits consumers.
What is CCPA?
CCPA was enacted on January 1, 2020, and is the most comprehensive privacy law in the United States. The law regulates how businesses collect, use, and share personal information of California residents. It applies to businesses that meet specific criteria, including those that have an annual gross revenue of $25 million or more, receive or share personal information of at least 50,000 California residents, households or devices annually, or earn more than half of their annual revenue from selling California residents' personal information.
The law mandates that businesses must disclose the categories of personal information they collect, the sources from which they collect the information, and the purposes for which they collect and share the information. Additionally, businesses must provide consumers with the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information and the right to access and delete their personal information.
How does CCPA benefit consumers?
CCPA empowers consumers with greater control over their personal information. The law provides consumers with the following rights:
- Right to know: Consumers have the right to know what personal information businesses collect about them, where the information comes from, and how it is used. Businesses must provide this information to consumers upon request.
- Right to opt-out: Consumers have the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information. Businesses must provide a prominent link on their website for consumers to opt-out of the sale of their personal information.
- Right to access: Consumers have the right to request access to their personal information. Businesses must provide this information to consumers within 45 days of receiving a verifiable request.
- Right to delete: Consumers have the right to request that businesses delete their personal information. Businesses must comply with this request unless certain exceptions apply.
- Right to non-discrimination: Consumers have the right to non-discrimination for exercising their CCPA rights. Businesses cannot deny goods or services, charge different prices, or provide a different level of service based on a consumer's exercise of their CCPA rights.
Conclusion
CCPA is an essential privacy law that empowers Californian consumers with significant privacy rights and protections. The law requires businesses to be transparent about their data collection practices and give consumers greater control over their personal information. By knowing their rights under CCPA, consumers can take steps to protect their privacy and ensure that their personal information is being used appropriately.