What You Need to Know About CCPA and Sensitive Information
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a state law that protects the privacy rights of California residents. The law applies to businesses that collect personal information from California residents, regardless of where the business is located.
CCPA defines personal information as any information that identifies, relates to, describes, is capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular consumer or household.
Sensitive information is a subset of personal information that includes financial information, medical information, and information related to children under the age of 16.
Businesses Obligations Under CCPA
Businesses that collect personal information from California residents must provide these residents with certain disclosures and rights.
Businesses must provide a clear and conspicuous privacy policy that discloses what personal information is being collected, the purpose of the collection, and how it will be used.
California residents have the right to request that a business disclose what personal information has been collected, the purpose of the collection, and how it has been used.
Additionally, California residents have the right to request that their personal information be deleted and not sold to third parties.
Penalties for Non-Compliance with CCPA
The California Attorney General’s office is responsible for enforcing CCPA. Businesses that violate the law may be subject to significant financial penalties.
The civil penalty for each violation can range from $2,500 to $7,500. Additionally, California residents have the right to bring a private lawsuit against businesses that violate their privacy rights, including the right to statutory damages ranging from $100 to $750 per violation.
Examples of Sensitive Information
To better understand what is considered sensitive information under CCPA, here are some examples:
– Financial information, such as bank account numbers, credit or debit card numbers, and financial transaction history.
– Medical information, such as health insurance information, medical diagnoses, and treatment history.
– Information about children under the age of 16, including their name, address, and social security number.
It is important for businesses that collect personal information from California residents to take CCPA and sensitive information seriously. Failure to do so could result in significant penalties and damage to a business’s reputation. By understanding what is considered sensitive information and complying with CCPA regulations, businesses can protect themselves and their customers.
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