The California Consumer Privacy Act: New Requirements and Guidance for Doing Business in CA

If you are planning to do business with the people of California, it is important to fully understand the California Consumer Privacy Act to ensure protection for yourself and the residents of California.

The CA Consumer Privacy Act [CCPA] represents the first comprehensive consumer privacy law in the US. Although specific to California, its impact will likely be felt throughout the U.S., as it applies to any business, specifically defined under the CCPA, in California. In response to a statewide ballot initiative, the CA State Legislature quickly passed the CCPA in June of 2018 and then immediately amended it two months later. The CA state legislature dedicated significant responsibilities for enforcement to its attorney general. Part of these responsibilities includes holding public forums to assist the attorney general with its drafting of rules and regulations. The CCPA is subject to wide discretion in interpretation and there is considerable confusion as to how the law will be enforced. This topic helps those responsible for compliance with the CCPA to understand its purpose and objectives, what rights it aims to preserve, what duties and obligations businesses must comply with and possible penalties for noncompliance. Areas of concern or confusion will be identified and reasonable interpretation or solution provided.