Consumer Law

Who Is Covered by the CCPA: Consumers and Businesses

Learn about the California Consumer Privacy Act and who it covers, including consumers and businesses, to ensure compliance and protect personal data

Introduction to the CCPA

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a landmark legislation that protects the personal information of California residents. The law applies to for-profit businesses that collect, share, or sell consumer data, and it provides consumers with significant rights to control their personal information.

The CCPA covers a wide range of businesses, including those that operate online or offline, and it applies to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large corporations. To be covered by the CCPA, a business must meet certain thresholds, such as having annual gross revenues of $25 million or more.

Consumers Covered by the CCPA

The CCPA protects the personal information of California residents, including individuals who are not necessarily customers of a business. This means that businesses must provide certain disclosures and protections to all California residents, regardless of whether they have a direct relationship with the business.

Consumers have the right to know what personal information a business has collected about them, and they have the right to request that the business delete their personal information. Consumers also have the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information, and they have the right to non-discrimination for exercising their CCPA rights.

Businesses Covered by the CCPA

The CCPA applies to for-profit businesses that do business in California and meet certain thresholds. These thresholds include having annual gross revenues of $25 million or more, alone or in combination with other businesses. Businesses that control or are controlled by another business may also be covered by the CCPA.

Businesses that are covered by the CCPA must provide certain disclosures to consumers, including a notice at or before the point of collection of personal information. Businesses must also provide a clear and conspicuous link on their website to a page titled 'Do Not Sell My Personal Information', which allows consumers to opt-out of the sale of their personal information.

Exemptions from the CCPA

The CCPA provides certain exemptions for businesses that are subject to other laws or regulations. For example, businesses that are subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) may be exempt from certain provisions of the CCPA.

Additionally, the CCPA provides exemptions for certain types of information, such as information that is publicly available or information that is collected for a single, one-time transaction. Businesses must carefully review the CCPA exemptions to determine whether they apply and to ensure compliance with the law.

Compliance with the CCPA

Compliance with the CCPA requires businesses to implement certain procedures and protocols to protect consumer personal information. This includes providing clear and conspicuous notices to consumers, implementing reasonable security procedures to protect personal information, and providing a process for consumers to exercise their CCPA rights.

Businesses must also train their employees on the CCPA and ensure that they understand the law and its requirements. Additionally, businesses must review and update their contracts with service providers and third-party vendors to ensure that they comply with the CCPA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the California Consumer Privacy Act?

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a law that protects the personal information of California residents and provides consumers with significant rights to control their personal data.

Who is covered by the CCPA?

The CCPA covers for-profit businesses that collect, share, or sell consumer data, as well as California residents whose personal information is collected by these businesses.

What are the thresholds for businesses to be covered by the CCPA?

Businesses must have annual gross revenues of $25 million or more, alone or in combination with other businesses, to be covered by the CCPA.

What are the rights of consumers under the CCPA?

Consumers have the right to know what personal information a business has collected about them, the right to request that the business delete their personal information, and the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information.

How can businesses comply with the CCPA?

Businesses can comply with the CCPA by providing clear and conspicuous notices to consumers, implementing reasonable security procedures, and providing a process for consumers to exercise their CCPA rights.

Are there any exemptions from the CCPA?

Yes, the CCPA provides exemptions for businesses that are subject to other laws or regulations, such as the GLBA or HIPAA, as well as exemptions for certain types of information, such as publicly available information.