Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Californians can now opt-out of data sales. Your personal information is personal again. The law goes into effect January 1, 2020. These rights extend to residents sixteen years and older. The law has separate provisions for minors.
Opt-out of Data Sales
The law won’t effect all business. According to the privacy organization Clarip, those that do fall under CCPA’s regulations will need to post a web link titled “Do Not Sell My Personal Information.” In order to comply, this link must be easy to find. It should be visible on their homepage, as well as within their privacy policy. California’s attorney general may offer businesses a uniform opt-out button or logo. You can choose to opt-out at any time. Businesses must then wait a year before requesting to sell your data.
What is Personal Data?
Personal data is a broad term. It’s information that makes it possible to identify an individual. This could include your name, geolocation, or phone number, as well as other identifiers, such as your search history, or IP address. However, you cannot opt-out of data sharing that is relevant to government records.
CCPA and Children’s Rights
Children have been issued extra protections under CCPA. Businesses need parental consent for minors under the age of thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and sixteen kids may opt-in for data sales, but their personal information may not be sold without permission. They do not need to opt-out.
Businesses that violate the California Consumer Privacy Act will answer to the attorney general’s office. Fines and their specific dollar amounts will depend on whether or not the breach was intentional. Californians now have control over their data. CCPA is a win for computer privacy, and the rights of consumers.
