What is CCPA?
The California Consumer Privacy Act grants California residents rights over their personal information, including the right to know what data is collected, delete it, opt out of its sale, and not be discriminated against for exercising these rights.
Also known as: California Consumer Privacy Act
CCPA was California's landmark privacy law, giving consumers significant control over their personal data. It's been strengthened by CPRA (California Privacy Rights Act) and has inspired similar laws nationwide.
Consumer Rights Under CCPA
Right to Know
- What personal info is collected
- Categories of sources
- Business/commercial purpose
- Categories of third parties shared with
Right to Delete
- Request deletion of personal data
- Some exceptions apply
- Must verify identity
Right to Opt-Out
- Stop sale of personal information
- "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" link required
- No need to explain why
Right to Non-Discrimination
- Can't deny goods/services
- Can't charge different prices
- Can't provide different quality
- (For exercising rights)
Who Must Comply
Businesses that:
- Annual gross revenue > $25 million, OR
- Buy/sell data of 100,000+ consumers, OR
- 50%+ revenue from selling personal info
AND
- Do business in California
- Collect California residents' data
Key Definitions
Personal Information
Broader than you might think:
- Identifiers (name, email, IP address)
- Commercial information
- Internet activity
- Geolocation data
- Employment information
- Inferences drawn about you
Sale
Includes sharing data for "valuable consideration"—not just money.
CCPA vs GDPR
| Aspect | CCPA | GDPR |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | California residents | EU residents |
| Consent | Opt-out model | Opt-in required |
| Private right of action | Data breaches only | Broader |
| Fines | Up to $7,500/violation | Up to 4% revenue |
Exercising Your Rights
- Find company's privacy page
- Look for "Do Not Sell" link
- Submit request (may need to verify identity)
- Company has 45 days to respond
- Can appeal denials
Related Terms
Data Minimization
A privacy principle that organizations should collect only the minimum amount of personal data necessary for a specific purpose, and retain it only as long as needed. This reduces privacy risks by limiting exposure in case of breaches or misuse.
GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation is a comprehensive data protection law in the European Union that gives individuals control over their personal data. It establishes strict requirements for how organizations collect, process, store, and transfer personal information.
Privacy
The right to control access to your personal information and to be free from unwanted observation or surveillance. Privacy is not about having something to hide—it's about autonomy, dignity, and the ability to choose what you share and with whom.
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