Understanding the Key Components of CPRA: Definition of Sensitive Personal Information

The Introduction

The California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) has brought about changes in the way companies handle personal data. With the increasing use of technology, data privacy is becoming a crucial aspect of our lives. CPRA provides new definitions for sensitive personal information (SPI) that organizations need to comply with in California. Understanding the key components of CPRA and SPI is essential for organizations to adhere to the new regulations.

The Definition of Sensitive Personal Information

SPI includes personal information that is far more sensitive than standard personal information. Under the CPRA, SPI refers to:

– social security, driver’s license, and passport numbers;
– financial account information and payment card numbers;
– precise geolocation data;
– race, ethnicity, religion, and union membership;
– personal communications between an individual and a business;
– genetic data;
– health information;
– sex life or sexual orientation;
– and contents of emails, text messages, or other electronic communications.

It is crucial for organizations to be aware of this definition and ensure that they handle SPI with the utmost care.

Compliance with CPRA

Organizations that collect SPI are required to comply with CPRA regulations. They must provide notice to consumers about the collection, processing, and retention of SPI. CPRA also gives consumers the right to request the deletion of their data and opt-out of the sale of their data.

Organizations must also implement reasonable security measures to protect SPI. They must conduct a risk assessment to determine the appropriate level of security measures for their specific data processing. This risk assessment should include the nature of the data, the likelihood of harm, the severity of harm, and the technology available to prevent harm.

Examples of Sensitive Personal Information and Real-World Implications

One example of sensitive personal information is health information. In 2020, hackers targeted a medical facility and gained access to patients’ electronic health records, including sensitive information such as dates of birth, social security numbers, and medical histories. This information could be used to commit fraud and identity theft, making it crucial to protect such information.

Another example of sensitive personal information is precise geolocation data. In 2018, a fitness app revealed the locations of military bases in insecure settings. This data could have been used for malicious purposes by foreign agents, demonstrating the need for security measures for sensitive personal information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the key components of CPRA and the definition of SPI is crucial for organizations to comply with new regulations. SPI includes far more sensitive information than standard personal information, and therefore, it requires a higher level of protection. Compliance with CPRA is essential to safeguard consumers’ privacy and prevent data breaches that could lead to severe consequences for individuals and the organizations that collect their data. Adhering to the implementation of reasonable security measures and conducting risk assessments will help organizations to prevent data breaches and protect sensitive personal information.