AB 375: Privacy: personal information: businesses.
- Session Year: 2017-2018
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2018-06-28
The California Constitution grants a right of privacy. Existing law provides for the confidentiality of personal information in various contexts and requires a business or person that suffers a breach of security of computerized data that includes personal information, as defined, to disclose that breach, as specified.
This bill would enact the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018. Beginning January 1, 2020, the bill would grant a consumer a right to request a business to disclose the categories and specific pieces of personal information that it collects about the consumer, the categories of sources from which that information is collected, the business purposes for collecting or selling the information, and the categories of 3rd parties with which the information is shared. The bill would require a business to make disclosures about the information and the purposes for which it is used. The bill would grant a consumer the right to request deletion of personal information and would require the business to delete upon receipt of a verified request, as specified. The bill would grant a consumer a right to request that a business that sells the consumers personal information, or discloses it for a business purpose, disclose the categories of information that it collects and categories of information and the identity of 3rd parties to which the information was sold or disclosed. The bill would require a business to provide this information in response to a verifiable consumer request. The bill would authorize a consumer to opt out of the sale of personal information by a business and would prohibit the business from discriminating against the consumer for exercising this right, including by charging the consumer who opts out a different price or providing the consumer a different quality of goods or services, except if the difference is reasonably related to value provided by the consumers data. The bill would authorize businesses to offer financial incentives for collection of personal information. The bill would prohibit a business from selling the personal information of a consumer under 16 years of age, unless affirmatively authorized, as specified, to be referred to as the right to opt in. The bill would prescribe requirements for receiving, processing, and satisfying these requests from consumers. The bill would prescribe various definitions for its purposes and would define personal information with reference to a broad list of characteristics and behaviors, personal and commercial, as well as inferences drawn from this information. The bill would prohibit the provisions described above from restricting the ability of the business to comply with federal, state, or local laws, among other things.
The bill would provide for its enforcement by the Attorney General, as specified, and would provide a private right of action in connection with certain unauthorized access and exfiltration, theft, or disclosure of a consumers nonencrypted or nonredacted personal information, as defined. The bill would prescribe a method for distribution of proceeds of Attorney General actions. The bill would create the Consumer Privacy Fund in the General Fund with the moneys in the fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to be applied to support the purposes of the bill and its enforcement. The bill would provide for the deposit of penalty money into the fund. The bill would require the Attorney General to solicit public participation for the purpose of adopting regulations, as specified. The bill would authorize a business, service provider, or 3rd party to seek the Attorney Generals opinion on how to comply with its provisions. The bill would void a waiver of a consumers rights under its provisions. The bill would condition its operation on the withdrawal of a specified initiative from the ballot.
The California Constitution grants a right of privacy. Existing law provides for the confidentiality of personal information in various contexts and requires a business or person that suffers a breach of security of computerized data that includes personal information, as defined, to disclose that breach, as specified.
This bill would enact the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018. Beginning January 1, 2020, the bill would grant a consumer a right to request a business to disclose the categories and specific pieces of personal information that it collects about the consumer, the categories of sources from which that information is collected, the business purposes for collecting or selling the information, and the categories of 3rd parties with which the information is shared. The bill would require a business to make disclosures about the information and the purposes for which it is used. The bill would grant a consumer the right to request deletion of personal information and would require the business to delete upon receipt of a verified request, as specified. The bill would grant a consumer a right to request that a business that sells the consumers personal information, or discloses it for a business purpose, disclose the categories of information that it collects and categories of information and the identity of 3rd parties to which the information was sold or disclosed. The bill would require a business to provide this information in response to a verifiable consumer request. The bill would authorize a consumer to opt out of the sale of personal information by a business and would prohibit the business from discriminating against the consumer for exercising this right, including by charging the consumer who opts out a different price or providing the consumer a different quality of goods or services, except if the difference is reasonably related to value provided by the consumers data. The bill would authorize businesses to offer financial incentives for collection of personal information. The bill would prohibit a business from selling the personal information of a consumer under 16 years of age, unless affirmatively authorized, as specified, to be referred to as the right to opt in. The bill would prescribe requirements for receiving, processing, and satisfying these requests from consumers. The bill would prescribe various definitions for its purposes and would define personal information with reference to a broad list of characteristics and behaviors, personal and commercial, as well as inferences drawn from this information. The bill would prohibit the provisions described above from restricting the ability of the business to comply with federal, state, or local laws, among other things.
The bill would provide for its enforcement by the Attorney General, as specified, and would provide a private right of action in connection with certain unauthorized access and exfiltration, theft, or disclosure of a consumers nonencrypted or nonredacted personal information, as defined. The bill would prescribe a method for distribution of proceeds of Attorney General actions. The bill would create the Consumer Privacy Fund in the General Fund with the moneys in the fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to be applied to support the purposes of the bill and its enforcement. The bill would provide for the deposit of penalty money into the fund. The bill would require the Attorney General to solicit public participation for the purpose of adopting regulations, as specified. The bill would authorize a business, service provider, or 3rd party to seek the Attorney Generals opinion on how to comply with its provisions. The bill would void a waiver of a consumers rights under its provisions. The bill would condition its operation on the withdrawal of a specified initiative from the ballot.
The California Constitution grants a right of privacy. Existing law provides for the confidentiality of personal information in various contexts and requires a business or person that suffers a breach of security of computerized data that includes personal information, as defined, to disclose that breach, as specified.
This bill would enact the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018. Beginning January 1, 2020, the bill would grant a consumer a right to request a business to disclose the categories and specific pieces of personal information that it collects about the consumer, the categories of sources from which that information is collected, the business purposes for collecting or selling the information, and the categories of 3rd parties with which the information is shared. The bill would require a business to make disclosures about the information and the purposes for which it is used. The bill would grant a consumer the right to request deletion of personal information and would require the business to delete upon receipt of a verified request, as specified. The bill would grant a consumer a right to request that a business that sells the consumers personal information, or discloses it for a business purpose, disclose the categories of information that it collects and categories of information and the identity of 3rd parties to which the information was sold or disclosed. The bill would require a business to provide this information in response to a verifiable consumer request. The bill would authorize a consumer to opt out of the sale of personal information by a business and would prohibit the business from discriminating against the consumer for exercising this right, including by charging the consumer who opts out a different price or providing the consumer a different quality of goods or services, except if the difference is reasonably related to value provided by the consumers data. The bill would authorize businesses to offer financial incentives for collection of personal information. The bill would prohibit a business from selling the personal information of a consumer under 16 years of age, unless affirmatively authorized, as specified, to be referred to as the right to opt in. The bill would prescribe requirements for receiving, processing, and satisfying these requests from consumers. The bill would prescribe various definitions for its purposes and would define personal information with reference to a broad list of characteristics and behaviors, personal and commercial, as well as inferences drawn from this information. The bill would prohibit the provisions described above from restricting the ability of the business to comply with federal, state, or local laws, among other things.
The bill would provide for its enforcement by the Attorney General, as specified, and would provide a private right of action in connection with specified security breaches. certain unauthorized access and exfiltration, theft, or disclosure of a consumers nonencrypted or nonredacted personal information, as defined. The bill would prescribe a method for distribution of proceeds of Attorney General actions. The bill would create the Consumer Privacy Fund in the General Fund with the moneys in the fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to be applied to support the purposes of the bill and its enforcement. The bill would provide for the deposit of penalty money into the fund. The bill would require the Attorney General to solicit public participation for the purpose of adopting regulations, as specified. The bill would authorize a business, service provider, or 3rd party to seek the Attorney Generals opinion on how to comply with its provisions. The bill would void a waiver of a consumers rights under its provisions. The bill would condition its operation on the withdrawal of a specified initiative from the ballot.
The California Constitution grants a right of privacy. Existing law provides for the confidentiality of personal information in various contexts and requires a business or person that suffers a breach of security of computerized data that includes personal information, as defined, to disclose that breach, as specified.
This bill would enact the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018. Beginning January 1, 2020, the bill would grant a consumer a right to request a business to disclose the categories and specific pieces of personal information that it collects about the consumer, the categories of sources from which that information is collected, the business purposes for collecting or selling the information, and the categories of 3rd parties with which the information is shared. The bill would require a business to make disclosures about the information and the purposes for which it is used. The bill would grant a consumer the right to request deletion of personal information and would require the business to delete upon receipt of a verified request, as specified. The bill would grant a consumer a right to request that a business that sells the consumers personal information, or discloses it for a business purpose, disclose the categories of information that it collects and categories of information and the identity of 3rd parties to which the information was sold or disclosed. The bill would require a business to provide this information in response to a verifiable consumer request. The bill would authorize a consumer to opt out of the sale of personal information by a business and would prohibit the business from discriminating against the consumer for exercising this right, including by charging the consumer who opts out a different price or providing the consumer a different quality of goods or services, except if the difference is reasonably related to value provided by the consumers data. The bill would authorize businesses to offer financial incentives for collection of personal information. The bill would prohibit a business from selling the personal information of a consumer under 16 years of age, unless affirmatively authorized, as specified, to be referred to as the right to opt in. The bill would prescribe requirements for receiving, processing, and satisfying these requests from consumers. The bill would prescribe various definitions for its purposes and would define personal information with reference to a broad list of characteristics and behaviors, personal and commercial, as well as inferences drawn from this information. The bill would prohibit the provisions described above from restricting the ability of the business to comply with federal, state, or local laws, among other things.
The bill would provide for its enforcement by the Attorney General, as specified, and would provide a private action in connection with specified security breaches. The bill would prescribe a method for distribution of proceeds of Attorney General actions. The bill would create the Consumer Privacy Fund in the General Fund with the moneys in the fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to be applied to support the purposes of the bill and its enforcement. The bill would provide for the deposit of penalty money into the fund. The bill would require the Attorney General to solicit public participation for the purpose of adopting regulations, as specified. The bill would authorize a business, service provider, or 3rd party to seek the Attorney Generals opinion on how to comply with its provisions. The bill would void a waiver of a consumers rights under its provisions. The bill would condition its operation on the withdrawal of a specified initiative from the ballot.
Existing law requires an operator of a commercial Internet Web site or online service that collects personally identifiable information through the Internet about individual consumers residing in California who use or visit the commercial Internet Web site or online service to conspicuously post, or make available, its privacy policy, as specified. Under existing law, an operator violates this provision only if the operator fails to post its policy within 30 days after being notified of noncompliance. Existing law requires, among other things, that the privacy policy identify the categories of personally identifiable information that the operator collects about individual consumers and the categories of 3rd-party persons or entities with whom the operator may share that information.Existing law prohibits telephone and telegraph corporations from releasing certain information regarding residential subscribers without their written consent, except in specified circumstances.Existing law requires a business that owns, licenses, or maintains personal information about a California resident to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information in order to protect the personal information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. Existing law requires a person or business that conducts business in California, and that owns or licenses computerized data that includes personal information, to disclose a breach of the security of the system to specified residents of California, as specified. Existing law requires that disclosure to be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, consistent with the legitimate needs of law enforcement or any measures necessary to determine the scope of the breach and restore the reasonable integrity of the data system.This bill would enact the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act. The act, beginning January 1, 2019, would, except as provided, prohibit broadband Internet access service providers, as defined, from using, disclosing, or permitting access to customer proprietary information, as defined. The act, beginning January 1, 2019, would prohibit those providers from refusing to provide broadband Internet access service, or in any way limiting that service, to a customer who does not waive his or her privacy rights guaranteed by law or regulation, and would prohibit those providers from charging a customer a penalty, penalizing a customer in any way, or offering a customer a discount or another benefit, as a direct or indirect consequence of a customers decision to, or refusal to, waive his or her privacy rights guaranteed by law or regulation.Existing law requires an operator of a commercial Internet Web site or online service that collects personally identifiable information through the Internet about individual consumers residing in California who use or visit the commercial Internet Web site or online service to conspicuously post, or make available, its privacy policy, as specified. Under existing law, an operator violates this provision only if the operator fails to post its policy within 30 days after being notified of noncompliance. Existing law requires, among other things, that the privacy policy identify the categories of personally identifiable information that the operator collects about individual consumers and the categories of 3rd-party persons or entities with whom the operator may share that information.
Existing law prohibits telephone and telegraph corporations from releasing certain information regarding residential subscribers without their written consent, except in specified circumstances.
Existing law requires a business that owns, licenses, or maintains personal information about a California resident to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information in order to protect the personal information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. Existing law requires a person or business that conducts business in California, and that owns or licenses computerized data that includes personal information, to disclose a breach of the security of the system to specified residents of California, as specified. Existing law requires that disclosure to be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, consistent with the legitimate needs of law enforcement or any measures necessary to determine the scope of the breach and restore the reasonable integrity of the data system.
This bill would enact the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act. The act would require communications providers, defined as providers that offer telecommunications in California for a fee directly to the public, as specified, to notify their customers of their privacy policies. The act act, beginning January 1, 2019, would, except as provided, prohibit those providers broadband Internet access service providers, as defined, from using, disclosing, or permitting access to customer proprietary information, as defined. The act would require those providers to take reasonable measures to protect customer proprietary information from unauthorized use, disclosure, or access, considering the nature and scope of the providers activities, the sensitivity of the data it collects, the size of the provider, and technical feasibility. The act would require those providers to notify an affected customer of any breach of the security of the service that may expose the customers proprietary information, as specified, and to maintain a record of any breaches and related notifications made to customers, unless the provider can reasonably determine that no harm to customers is reasonably likely to occur as a result of the breach. The act act, beginning January 1, 2019, would prohibit a broadband Internet access service provider, as defined, those providers from refusing to provide broadband Internet access service, or in any way limiting that service, to a customer who does not waive his or her privacy rights guaranteed by law or regulation, and would prohibit those providers from charging a customer a penalty, penalizing a customer in any way, or offering a customer a discount or another benefit, as a direct or indirect consequence of a customers decision to, or refusal to, waive his or her privacy rights guaranteed by law or regulation.
Existing law requires an operator of a commercial Internet Web site or online service that collects personally identifiable information through the Internet about individual consumers residing in California who use or visit the commercial Internet Web site or online service to conspicuously post, or make available, its privacy policy, as specified. Under existing law, an operator violates this provision only if the operator fails to post its policy within 30 days after being notified of noncompliance. Existing law requires, among other things, that the privacy policy identify the categories of personally identifiable information that the operator collects about individual consumers and the categories of 3rd-party persons or entities with whom the operator may share that information.
Existing law prohibits telephone and telegraph corporations from releasing certain information regarding residential subscribers without their written consent, except in specified circumstances.
Existing law requires a business that owns, licenses, or maintains personal information about a California resident to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information in order to protect the personal information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. Existing law requires a person or business that conducts business in California, and that owns or licenses computerized data that includes personal information, to disclose a breach of the security of the system to specified residents of California, as specified. Existing law requires that disclosure to be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, consistent with the legitimate needs of law enforcement or any measures necessary to determine the scope of the breach and restore the reasonable integrity of the data system.
This bill would enact the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act. The bill act would prohibit an Internet service provider from using, disclosing, selling, or permitting access to customer personal information, except as provided in that act. The bill would authorize a customer to give prior opt-in consent, which may be revoked by the customer at any time, to an Internet service provider to use, disclose, sell, or permit access to that customers personal information. The bill would prohibit an Internet service provider from refusing to serve or to limit service to a customer who does not provide consent or charging a customer a penalty or offering a customer a discount or another benefit based on the customers decision to provide consent. require communications providers, defined as providers that offer telecommunications in California for a fee directly to the public, as specified, to notify their customers of their privacy policies. The act would, except as provided, prohibit those providers from using, disclosing, or permitting access to customer proprietary information, as defined. The act would require those providers to take reasonable measures to protect customer proprietary information from unauthorized use, disclosure, or access, considering the nature and scope of the providers activities, the sensitivity of the data it collects, the size of the provider, and technical feasibility. The act would require those providers to notify an affected customer of any breach of the security of the service that may expose the customers proprietary information, as specified, and to maintain a record of any breaches and related notifications made to customers, unless the provider can reasonably determine that no harm to customers is reasonably likely to occur as a result of the breach. The act would prohibit a broadband Internet access service provider, as defined, from refusing to provide broadband Internet access service, or in any way limiting that service, to a customer who does not waive his or her privacy rights guaranteed by law or regulation, and would prohibit charging a customer a penalty, penalizing a customer in any way, or offering a customer a discount or another benefit, as a direct or indirect consequence of a customers decision to, or refusal to, waive his or her privacy rights guaranteed by law or regulation.
The bill, however, would authorize an Internet service provider to use, disclose, or permit access to customer personal information, without customer approval, for specified limited purposes, unless otherwise prohibited by state law. These purposes would include to comply with other laws or an administrative or court order, to bill and collect for Internet access services, and to provide location information concerning a customer. The bill would require an Internet service provider to maintain reasonable security procedures to protect customers personal information. The bill would specify that its requirements apply to Internet service providers operating within California when providing Internet access services to customers who are residents of and physically located in California.Existing law requires an operator of a commercial Internet Web site or online service that collects personally identifiable information through the Internet about individual consumers residing in California who use or visit the commercial Internet Web site or online service to conspicuously post, or make available, its privacy policy, as specified. Under existing law, an operator violates this provision if the operator fails to post its policy within 30 days after being notified of noncompliance. Existing law requires, among other things, that the privacy policy identify the categories of personally identifiable information that the operator collects about individual consumers and the categories of 3rd-party persons or entities with whom the operator may share that information.
This bill would enact the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act. The bill would prohibit an Internet service provider from using, disclosing, selling, or permitting access to customer personal information, except as provided in that act. The bill would authorize a customer to give prior opt-in consent, which may be revoked by the customer at any time, to an Internet service provider to use, disclose, sell, or permit access to that customers personal information. The bill would prohibit an Internet service provider from refusing to serve or to limit service to a customer who does not provide consent or charging a customer a penalty or offering a customer a discount or another benefit based on the customers decision to provide consent.
The bill, however, would authorize an Internet service provider to use, disclose, or permit access to customer personal information, without customer approval, for specified limited purposes, unless otherwise prohibited by state law. These purposes would include to comply with other laws or an administrative or court order, to bill and collect for Internet access services, and to provide location information concerning a customer. The bill would require an Internet service provider to maintain reasonable security procedures to protect customers personal information. The bill would specify that its requirements apply to Internet service providers operating within California when providing Internet access services to customers who are residents of and physically located in California.
Existing law requires a video arcade, as defined, to post a sign notifying consumers that an industry-created rating system is available to aid in the selection of a game. Existing law also requires a video arcade to make a brochure available upon request to consumers explaining this system.This bill would repeal the above-described brochure requirement.Existing law requires a video arcade, as defined, to post a sign notifying consumers that an industry-created rating system is available to aid in the selection of a game. Existing law also requires a video arcade to make a brochure available upon request to consumers explaining this system.
This bill would repeal the above-described brochure requirement.
(1)The California Public Records Act requires that public records, as defined, be open to inspection at all times during the hours of a state or local agency and that every person has a right to inspect any public record, with specified exceptions. Existing law prohibits the act from being construed to require the disclosure of certain information concerning utility customers of local agencies, but provides for the disclosure of some of that information, specifically the name, utility usage data, and home address of a utility customer, upon court order or the request of a law enforcement agency relative to an ongoing investigation.This bill would instead provide for the disclosure of that information to a law enforcement agency only in response to a warrant issued pursuant to specified criminal procedures.Existing constitutional provisions require that a statute that limits the right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies be adopted with findings demonstrating the interest protected by the limitation and the need for protecting that interest.This bill would make legislative findings to that effect.The California Constitution requires local agencies, for the purpose of ensuring public access to the meetings of public bodies and the writings of public officials and agencies, to comply with a statutory enactment that amends or enacts laws relating to public records or open meetings and contains findings demonstrating that the enactment furthers the constitutional requirements relating to this purpose.This bill would make legislative findings to that effect.(2)Existing law prohibits telephone and telegraph corporations from releasing certain information regarding residential subscribers without their written consent, except in specified circumstances, including when information is provided to a law enforcement agency in response to lawful process.This bill would permit the release of that subscriber information to a law enforcement agency in response to a warrant issued pursuant to specified criminal procedures instead of in response to lawful process.(3)Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission has regulatory authority over public utilities, while local publicly owned utilities are generally under the direction of their governing boards. Existing law prohibits an electrical corporation, gas corporation, or local publicly owned electric utility from sharing, disclosing, or otherwise making accessible to any 3rd party a customers electrical or gas consumption data, except as specified. Existing law does not preclude those entities from disclosing that data as required or permitted under state or federal law or, if applicable, by an order of the commission. This bill would prohibit the commission, public utilities, local publicly owned utilities, and cable corporations from disclosing to a law enforcement agency personally identifiable information of customers or aggregate information from which an individuals identity or characteristics may be determined, unless either the customer consents or the disclosure is made pursuant to a warrant issued pursuant to specified criminal procedures instead of in response to lawful process.(1)The California Public Records Act requires that public records, as defined, be open to inspection at all times during the hours of a state or local agency and that every person has a right to inspect any public record, with specified exceptions. Existing law prohibits the act from being construed to require the disclosure of certain information concerning utility customers of local agencies, but provides for the disclosure of some of that information, specifically the name, utility usage data, and home address of a utility customer, upon court order or the request of a law enforcement agency relative to an ongoing investigation.
This bill would instead provide for the disclosure of that information to a law enforcement agency only in response to a warrant issued pursuant to specified criminal procedures.
Existing constitutional provisions require that a statute that limits the right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies be adopted with findings demonstrating the interest protected by the limitation and the need for protecting that interest.
This bill would make legislative findings to that effect.
The California Constitution requires local agencies, for the purpose of ensuring public access to the meetings of public bodies and the writings of public officials and agencies, to comply with a statutory enactment that amends or enacts laws relating to public records or open meetings and contains findings demonstrating that the enactment furthers the constitutional requirements relating to this purpose.
This bill would make legislative findings to that effect.
(2)Existing law prohibits telephone and telegraph corporations from releasing certain information regarding residential subscribers without their written consent, except in specified circumstances, including when information is provided to a law enforcement agency in response to lawful process.
This bill would permit the release of that subscriber information to a law enforcement agency in response to a warrant issued pursuant to specified criminal procedures instead of in response to lawful process.
(3)Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission has regulatory authority over public utilities, while local publicly owned utilities are generally under the direction of their governing boards. Existing law prohibits an electrical corporation, gas corporation, or local publicly owned electric utility from sharing, disclosing, or otherwise making accessible to any 3rd party a customers electrical or gas consumption data, except as specified. Existing law does not preclude those entities from disclosing that data as required or permitted under state or federal law or, if applicable, by an order of the commission.
This bill would prohibit the commission, public utilities, local publicly owned utilities, and cable corporations from disclosing to a law enforcement agency personally identifiable information of customers or aggregate information from which an individuals identity or characteristics may be determined, unless either the customer consents or the disclosure is made pursuant to a warrant issued pursuant to specified criminal procedures instead of in response to lawful process.
This measure shall be known and may be cited as The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018.
SEC. 2.The Legislature finds and declares that:
(a)In 1972, California voters amended the California Constitution to include the right of privacy among the inalienable rights of all people. The amendment established a legal and enforceable right of privacy for every Californian. Fundamental to this right of privacy is the ability of individuals to control the use, including the sale, of their personal information.
(b)Since California voters approved the right of privacy, the California Legislature has adopted specific mechanisms to safeguard Californians privacy, including the Online Privacy Protection Act, the Privacy Rights for California Minors in the Digital World Act, and Shine the Light, a California law intended to give Californians the who, what, where, and when of how businesses handle consumers personal information.
(c)At the same time, California is one of the worlds leaders in the development of new technologies and related industries. Yet the proliferation of personal information has limited Californians ability to properly protect and safeguard their privacy. It is almost impossible to apply for a job, raise a child, drive a car, or make an appointment without sharing personal information.
(d)As the role of technology and data in the every daily lives of consumers increases, there is an increase in the amount of personal information shared by consumers with businesses. California law has not kept pace with these developments and the personal privacy implications surrounding the collection, use, and protection of personal information.
(e)Many businesses collect personal information from California consumers. They may know where a consumer lives and how many children a consumer has, how fast a consumer drives, a consumers personality, sleep habits, biometric and health information, financial information, precise geolocation information, and social networks, to name a few categories.
(f)The unauthorized disclosure of personal information and the loss of privacy can have devastating effects for individuals, ranging from financial fraud, identity theft, and unnecessary costs to personal time and finances, to destruction of property, harassment, reputational damage, emotional stress, and even potential physical harm.
(g)In March 2018, it came to light that tens of millions of people had their personal data misused by a data mining firm called Cambridge Analytica. A series of congressional hearings highlighted that our personal information may be vulnerable to misuse when shared on the Internet. As a result, our desire for privacy controls and transparency in data practices is heightened.
(h)People desire privacy and more control over their information. California consumers should be able to exercise control over their personal information, and they want to be certain that there are safeguards against misuse of their personal information. It is possible for businesses both to respect consumers privacy and provide a high level transparency to their business practices.
(i)Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature to further Californians right to privacy by giving consumers an effective way to control their personal information, by ensuring the following rights:
(1)The right of Californians to know what personal information is being collected about them.
(2)The right of Californians to know whether their personal information is sold or disclosed and to whom.
(3)The right of Californians to say no to the sale of personal information.
(4)The right of Californians to access their personal information.
(5)The right of Californians to equal service and price, even if they exercise their privacy rights.
SEC. 3.Title 1.81.5 (commencing with Section 1798.100) is added to Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, to read:1.81.5.California Consumer Privacy Act of 20181798.100.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business that collects a consumers personal information disclose to that consumer the categories and specific pieces of personal information the business has collected.
(b)A business that collects a consumers personal information shall, at or before the point of collection, inform consumers as to the categories of personal information to be collected and the purposes for which the categories of personal information shall be used. A business shall not collect additional categories of personal information or use personal information collected for additional purposes without providing the consumer with notice consistent with this section.
(c)A business shall provide the information specified in subdivision (a) to a consumer only upon receipt of a verifiable consumer request.
(d)A business that receives a verifiable consumer request from a consumer to access personal information shall promptly take steps to disclose and deliver, free of charge to the consumer, the personal information required by this section. The information may be delivered by mail or electronically, and if provided electronically, the information shall be in a portable and, to the extent technically feasible, in a readily useable format that allows the consumer to transmit this information to another entity without hindrance. A business may provide personal information to a consumer at any time, but shall not be required to provide personal information to a consumer more than twice in a 12-month period.
(e)This section shall not require a business to retain any personal information collected for a single, one-time transaction, if such information is not sold or retained by the business or to reidentify or otherwise link information that is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
(1)Retain any personal information collected for a single, one-time transaction, if the information is not sold or retained by the business.
(2)Reidentify or otherwise link any data that, in the ordinary course of business, is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
1798.105.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business delete any personal information about the consumer which the business has collected from the consumer.
(b)A business that collects personal information about consumers shall disclose, pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130, the consumers rights to request the deletion of the consumers personal information.
(c)A business that receives a verifiable request from a consumer to delete the consumers personal information pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section shall delete the consumers personal information from its records and direct any service providers to delete the consumers personal information from their records.
(d)A business or a service provider shall not be required to comply with a consumers request to delete the consumers personal information if it is necessary for the business or service provider to maintain the consumers personal information in order to:
(1)Complete the transaction for which the personal information was collected, provide a good or service requested by the consumer, or reasonably anticipated within the context of a businesss ongoing business relationship with the consumer, or otherwise perform a contract between the business and the consumer.
(2)Detect security incidents, protect against malicious, deceptive, fraudulent, or illegal activity; or prosecute those responsible for that activity.
(3)Debug to identify and repair errors that impair existing intended functionality.
(4)Exercise free speech, ensure the right of another consumer to exercise his or her right of free speech, or exercise another right provided for by law.
(5)Comply with the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act pursuant to Chapter 3.6 (commencing with Section 1546) of Title 12 of Part 2 of the Penal Code.
(6)Engage in public or peer-reviewed scientific, historical, or statistical research in the public interest that adheres to all other applicable ethics and privacy laws, when the businesses deletion of the information is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of such research, if the consumer has provided informed consent.
(7)To enable solely internal uses that are reasonably aligned with the expectations of the consumer based on the consumers relationship with the business.
(8)Comply with a legal obligation.
(9)Otherwise use the consumers personal information, internally, in a lawful manner that is compatible with the context in which the consumer provided the information.
1798.110.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business that collects personal information about the consumer disclose to the consumer the following:
(1)The categories of personal information it has collected about that consumer.
(2)The categories of sources from which the personal information is collected.
(3)The business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling personal information.
(4)The categories of third parties with whom the business shares personal information.
(5)The specific pieces of personal information it has collected about that consumer.
(b)A business that collects personal information about a consumer shall disclose to the consumer, pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130, the information specified in subdivision (a) upon receipt of a verifiable request from the consumer.
(c)A business that collects personal information about consumers shall disclose, pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130:
(1)The categories of personal information it has collected about that consumer.
(2)The categories of sources from which the personal information is collected.
(3)The business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling personal information.
(4)The categories of third parties with whom the business shares personal information.
(5)The specific pieces of personal information the business has collected about that consumer.
(d)This section does not require a business to do the following:
(1)Retain any personal information about a consumer collected for a single one-time transaction if, in the ordinary course of business, that information about the consumer is not retained.
(2)Reidentify or otherwise link any data that, in the ordinary course of business, is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
1798.115.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business that sells the consumers personal information, or that discloses it for a business purpose, disclose to that consumer:
(1)The categories of personal information that the business collected about the consumer.
(2)The categories of personal information that the business sold about the consumer and the categories of third parties to whom the personal information was sold, by category or categories of personal information for each third party to whom the personal information was sold.
(3)The categories of personal information that the business disclosed about the consumer for a business purpose.
(b)A business that sells personal information about a consumer, or that discloses a consumers personal information for a business purpose, shall disclose, pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130, the information specified in subdivision (a) to the consumer upon receipt of a verifiable request from the consumer.
(c)A business that sells consumers personal information, or that discloses consumers personal information for a business purpose, shall disclose, pursuant to subparagraph (C) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130:
(1)The category or categories of consumers personal information it has sold, or if the business has not sold consumers personal information, it shall disclose that fact.
(2)The category or categories of consumers personal information it has disclosed for a business purpose, or if the business has not disclosed the consumers personal information for a business purpose, it shall disclose that fact.
(d)A third party shall not sell personal information about a consumer that has been sold to the third party by a business unless the consumer has received explicit notice and is provided an opportunity to exercise the right to opt out pursuant to 1798.120.
1798.120.(a)A consumer shall have the right, at any time, to direct a business that sells personal information about the consumer to third parties not to sell the consumers personal information. This right may be referred to as the right to opt out.
(b)A business that sells consumers personal information to third parties shall provide notice to consumers, pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1798.135, that this information may be sold and that consumers have the right to opt out of the sale of their personal information.
(c)A business that has received direction from a consumer not to sell the consumers personal information or, in the case of a minor consumers personal information has not received consent to sell the minor consumers personal information shall be prohibited, pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.135, from selling the consumers personal information after its receipt of the consumers direction, unless the consumer subsequently provides express authorization for the sale of the consumers personal information.
(d)Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a business shall not sell the personal information of consumers if the business has actual knowledge that the consumer is less than 16 years of age, unless the consumer, in the case of consumers between 13 and 16 years of age, or the consumers parent or guardian, in the case of consumers who are less than 13 years of age, has affirmatively authorized the sale of the consumers personal information. A business that willfully disregards the consumers age shall be deemed to have had actual knowledge of the consumers age. This right may be referred to as the right to opt in.
1798.125.(a)(1)A business shall not discriminate against a consumer because the consumer exercised any of the consumers rights under this title, including, but not limited to, by:
(A)Denying goods or services to the consumer.
(B)Charging different prices or rates for goods or services, including through the use of discounts or other benefits or imposing penalties.
(C)Providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if the consumer exercises the consumers rights under this title.
(D)Suggesting that the consumer will receive a different price or rate for goods or services or a different level or quality of goods or services.
(2)Nothing in this subdivision prohibits a business from charging a consumer a different price or rate, or from providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if that difference is reasonably related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumers data.
(b)(1)A business may offer financial incentives, including payments to consumers as compensation, for the collection of personal information, the sale of personal information, or the deletion of personal information. A business may also offer a different price, rate, level, or quality of goods or services to the consumer if that price or difference is directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumers data.
(2)A business that offers any financial incentives pursuant to subdivision (a), shall notify consumers of the financial incentives pursuant to Section 1798.135.
(3)A business may enter a consumer into a financial incentive program only if the consumer gives the business prior opt-in consent pursuant to Section 1798.135 which clearly describes the material terms of the financial incentive program, and which may be revoked by the consumer at any time.
(4)A business shall not use financial incentive practices that are unjust, unreasonable, coercive, or usurious in nature.
1798.130.(a)In order to comply with Sections 1798.100, 1798.105, 1798.110, 1798.115, and 1798.125, in a form that is reasonably accessible to consumers, a business shall:
(1)Make available to consumers two or more designated methods for submitting requests for information required to be disclosed pursuant to Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115, including, at a minimum, a toll-free telephone number, and if the business maintains an Internet Web site, a Web site address.
(2)Disclose and deliver the required information to a consumer free of charge within 45 days of receiving a verifiable request from the consumer. The business shall promptly take steps to determine whether the request is a verifiable request, but this shall not extend the businesss duty to disclose and deliver the information within 45 days of receipt of the consumers request. The time period to provide the required information may be extended once by an additional 45 days when reasonably necessary, provided the consumer is provided notice of the extension within the first 45-day period. The disclosure shall cover the 12-month period preceding the businesss receipt of the verifiable request and shall be made in writing and delivered through the consumers account with the business, if the consumer maintains an account with the business, or by mail or electronically at the consumers option if the consumer does not maintain an account with the business, in a readily useable format that allows the consumer to transmit this information from one entity to another entity without hindrance. The business shall not require the consumer to create an account with the business in order to make a verifiable request.
(3)For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 1798.110:
(A)To identify the consumer, associate the information provided by the consumer in the verifiable request to any personal information previously collected by the business about the consumer.
(B)Identify by category or categories the personal information collected about the consumer in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information collected.
(4)For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 1798.115:
(A)Identify the consumer and associate the information provided by the consumer in the verifiable request to any personal information previously collected by the business about the consumer.
(B)Identify by category or categories the personal information of the consumer that the business sold in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information, and provide the categories of third parties to whom the consumers personal information was sold in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information sold. The business shall disclose the information in a list that is separate from a list generated for the purposes of subparagraph (C).
(C)Identify by category or categories the personal information of the consumer that the business disclosed for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information, and provide the categories of third parties to whom the consumers personal information was disclosed for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information disclosed. The business shall disclose the information in a list that is separate from a list generated for the purposes of subparagraph (B).
(5)Disclose the following information in its online privacy policy or policies if the business has an online privacy policy or policies and in any California-specific description of consumers privacy rights, or if the business does not maintain those policies, on its Internet Web site, and update that information at least once every 12 months:
(A)A description of a consumers rights pursuant to Sections 1798.110, 1798.115, and 1798.125 and one or more designated methods for submitting requests.
(B)For purposes of subdivision (c) of Section 1798.110, a list of the categories of personal information it has collected about consumers in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describe the personal information collected.
(C)For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 1798.115, two separate lists:
(i)A list of the categories of personal information it has sold about consumers in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describe the personal information sold, or if the business has not sold consumers personal information in the preceding 12 months, the business shall disclose that fact.
(ii)A list of the categories of personal information it has disclosed about consumers for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category in subdivision (c) that most closely describe the personal information disclosed, or if the business has not disclosed consumers personal information for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months, the business shall disclose that fact.
(6)Ensure that all individuals responsible for handling consumer inquiries about the businesss privacy practices or the businesss compliance with this title are informed of all requirements in Sections 1798.110, 1798.115, 1798.125, and this section, and how to direct consumers to exercise their rights under those sections.
(7)Use any personal information collected from the consumer in connection with the businesss verification of the consumers request solely for the purposes of verification.
(b)A business is not obligated to provide the information required by Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 to the same consumer more than twice in a 12-month period.
(c)The categories of personal information required to be disclosed pursuant to Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 shall follow the definition of personal information in Section 1798.140.
1798.135.(a)A business that is required to comply with Section 1798.120 shall, in a form that is reasonably accessible to consumers:
(1)Provide a clear and conspicuous link on the business Internet homepage, titled Do Not Sell My Personal Information, to an Internet Web page that enables a consumer, or a person authorized by the consumer, to opt out of the sale of the consumers personal information. A business shall not require a consumer to create an account in order to direct the business not to sell the consumers personal information.
(2)Include a description of a consumers rights pursuant to Section 1798.120, along with a separate link to the Do Not Sell My Personal Information Internet Web page in:
(A)Its online privacy policy or policies if the business has an online privacy policy or policies.
(B)Any California-specific description of consumers privacy rights.
(3)Ensure that all individuals responsible for handling consumer inquiries about the businesss privacy practices or the businesss compliance with this title are informed of all requirements in Section 1798.120 and this section and how to direct consumers to exercise their rights under those sections.
(4)For consumers who exercise their right to opt out of the sale of their personal information, refrain from selling personal information collected by the business about the consumer.
(5)For a consumer who has opted out of the sale of the consumers personal information, respect the consumers decision to opt out for at least 12 months before requesting that the consumer authorize the sale of the consumers personal information.
(6)Use any personal information collected from the consumer in connection with the submission of the consumers opt-out request solely for the purposes of complying with the opt-out request.
(b)Nothing in this title shall be construed to require a business to comply with the title by including the required links and text on the homepage that the business makes available to the public generally, if the business maintains a separate and additional homepage that is dedicated to California consumers and that includes the required links and text, and the business takes reasonable steps to ensure that California consumers are directed to the homepage for California consumers and not the homepage made available to the public generally.
(c)A consumer may authorize another person solely to opt out of the sale of the consumers personal information on the consumers behalf, and a business shall comply with an opt out request received from a person authorized by the consumer to act on the consumers behalf, pursuant to regulations adopted by the Attorney General.
1798.140.For purposes of this title:
(a)Aggregate consumer information means information that relates to a group or category of consumers, from which individual consumer identities have been removed, that is not linked or reasonably linkable to any consumer or household, including via a device. Aggregate consumer information does not mean one or more individual consumer records that have been deidentified.
(b)Biometric information means an individuals physiological, biological or behavioral characteristics, including an individuals deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), that can be used, singly or in combination with each other or with other identifying data, to establish individual identity. Biometric information includes, but is not limited to, imagery of the iris, retina, fingerprint, face, hand, palm, vein patterns, and voice recordings, from which an identifier template, such as a faceprint, a minutiae template, or a voiceprint, can be extracted, and keystroke patterns or rhythms, gait patterns or rhythms, and sleep, health, or exercise data that contain identifying information.
(c)Business means:
(1)A sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, association, or other legal entity that is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of its shareholders or other owners, that collects consumers personal information, or on the behalf of which such information is collected and that alone, or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of consumers personal information, that does business in the State of California, and that satisfies one or more of the following thresholds:
(A)Has annual gross revenues in excess of twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000), as adjusted pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.185.
(B)Alone or in combination, annually buys, receives for the business commercial purposes, sells, or shares for commercial purposes, alone or in combination, the personal information of 50,000 or more consumers, households, or devices.
(C)Derives 50 percent or more of its annual revenues from selling consumers personal information.
(2)Any entity that controls or is controlled by a business, as defined in paragraph (1), and that shares common branding with the business. Control or controlled means ownership of, or the power to vote, more than 50 percent of the outstanding shares of any class of voting security of a business; control in any manner over the election of a majority of the directors, or of individuals exercising similar functions; or the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management of a company. Common branding means a shared name, servicemark, or trademark.
(d)Business purpose means the use of personal information for the business or a service providers operational purposes, or other notified purposes, provided that the use of personal information shall be reasonably necessary and proportionate to achieve the operational purpose for which the personal information was collected or processed or for another operational purpose that is compatible with the context in which the personal information was collected. Business purposes are:
(1)Auditing related to a current interaction with the consumer and concurrent transactions, including, but not limited to, counting ad impressions to unique visitors, verifying positioning and quality of ad impressions, and auditing compliance with this specification and other standards.
(2)Detecting security incidents, protecting against malicious, deceptive, fraudulent, or illegal activity, and prosecuting those responsible for that activity.
(3)Debugging to identify and repair errors that impair existing intended functionality.
(4)Short-term, transient use, provided the personal information that is not disclosed to another third party and is not used to build a profile about a consumer or otherwise alter an individual consumers experience outside the current interaction, including, but not limited to, the contextual customization of ads shown as part of the same interaction.
(5)Performing services on behalf of the business or service provider, including maintaining or servicing accounts, providing customer service, processing or fulfilling orders and transactions, verifying customer information, processing payments, providing financing, providing advertising or marketing services, providing analytic services, or providing similar services on behalf of the business or service provider.
(6)Undertaking internal research for technological development and demonstration.
(7)Undertaking activities to verify or maintain the quality or safety of a service or device that is owned, manufactured, manufactured for, or controlled by the business, and to improve, upgrade, or enhance the service or device that is owned, manufactured, manufactured for, or controlled by the business.
(e)Collects, collected, or collection means buying, renting, gathering, obtaining, receiving, or accessing any personal information pertaining to a consumer by any means. This includes receiving information from the consumer, either actively or passively, or by observing the consumers behavior.
(f)Commercial purposes means to advance a persons commercial or economic interests, such as by inducing another person to buy, rent, lease, join, subscribe to, provide, or exchange products, goods, property, information, or services, or enabling or effecting, directly or indirectly, a commercial transaction. Commercial purposes do not include for the purpose of engaging in speech that state or federal courts have recognized as noncommercial speech, including political speech and journalism.
(g)Consumer means a natural person who is a California resident, as defined in Section 17014 of Title 18 of the California Code of Regulations, as that section read on September 1, 2017, however identified, including by any unique identifier.
(h)Deidentified means information that cannot reasonably identify, relate to, describe, be capable of being associated with, or be linked, directly or indirectly, to a particular consumer, provided that a business that uses deidentified information:
(1)Has implemented technical safeguards that prohibit reidentification of the consumer to whom the information may pertain.
(2)Has implemented business processes that specifically prohibit reidentification of the information.
(3)Has implemented business processes to prevent inadvertent release of deidentified information.
(4)Makes no attempt to reidentify the information.
(i)Designated methods for submitting requests means a mailing address, email address, Internet Web page, Internet Web portal, toll-free telephone number, or other applicable contact information, whereby consumers may submit a request or direction under this title, and any new, consumer-friendly means of contacting a business, as approved by the Attorney General pursuant to Section 1798.185.
(j)Device means any physical object that is capable of connecting to the Internet, directly or indirectly, or to another device.
(k)Health insurance information means a consumers insurance policy number or subscriber identification number, any unique identifier used by a health insurer to identify the consumer, or any information in the consumers application and claims history, including any appeals records, if the information is linked or reasonably linkable to a consumer or household, including via a device, by a business or service provider.
(l)Homepage means the introductory page of an Internet Web site and any Internet Web page where personal information is collected. In the case of an online service, such as a mobile application, homepage means the applications platform page or download page, a link within the application, such as from the application configuration, About, Information, or settings page, and any other location that allows consumers to review the notice required by subdivision (a) of Section 1798.145, including, but not limited to, before downloading the application.
(m)Infer or inference means the derivation of information, data, assumptions, or conclusions from facts, evidence, or another source of information or data.
(n)Person means an individual, proprietorship, firm, partnership, joint venture, syndicate, business trust, company, corporation, limited liability company, association, committee, and any other organization or group of persons acting in concert.
(o)(1)Personal information means 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. Personal information includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(A)Identifiers such as a real name, alias, postal address, unique personal identifier, online identifier Internet Protocol address, email address, account name, social security number, drivers license number, passport number, or other similar identifiers.
(B)Any categories of personal information described in subdivision (e) of Section 1798.80.
(C)Characteristics of protected classifications under California or federal law.
(D)Commercial information, including records of personal property, products or services purchased, obtained, or considered, or other purchasing or consuming histories or tendencies.
(E)Biometric information.
(F)Internet or other electronic network activity information, including, but not limited to, browsing history, search history, and information regarding a consumers interaction with an Internet Web site, application, or advertisement.
(G)Geolocation data.
(H)Audio, electronic, visual, thermal, olfactory, or similar information.
(I)Professional or employment-related information.
(J)Education information, defined as information that is not publicly available personally identifiable information as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. section 1232g, 34 C.F.R. Part 99).
(K)Inferences drawn from any of the information identified in this subdivision to create a profile about a consumer reflecting the consumers preferences, characteristics, psychological trends, preferences, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes.
(2)Personal information does not include publicly available information. For these purposes, publicly available means information that is lawfully made available from federal, state, or local government records, if any conditions associated with such information. Publicly available does not mean biometric information collected by a business about a consumer without the consumers knowledge. Information is not publicly available if that data is used for a purpose that is not compatible with the purpose for which the data is maintained and made available in the government records or for which it is publicly maintained. Publicly available does not include consumer information that is deidentified or aggregate consumer information.
(p)Probabilistic identifier means the identification of a consumer or a device to a degree of certainty of more probable than not based on any categories of personal information included in, or similar to, the categories enumerated in the definition of personal information.
(q)Processing means any operation or set of operations that are performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means.
(r)Pseudonymize or Pseudonymization means the processing of personal information in a manner that renders the personal information no longer attributable to a specific consumer without the use of additional information, provided that the additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organizational measures to ensure that the personal information is not attributed to an identified or identifiable consumer.
(s)Research means scientific, systematic study and observation, including basic research or applied research that is in the public interest and that adheres to all other applicable ethics and privacy laws or studies conducted in the public interest in the area of public health. Research with personal information that may have been collected from a consumer in the course of the consumers interactions with a business service or device for other purposes shall be:
(1)Compatible with the business purpose for which the personal information was collected.
(2)Subsequently pseudonymized and deidentified, or deidentified and in the aggregate, such that the information cannot reasonably identify, relate to, describe, be capable of being associated with, or be linked, directly or indirectly, to a particular consumer.
(3)Made subject to technical safeguards that prohibit reidentification of the consumer to whom the information may pertain.
(4)Subject to business processes that specifically prohibit reidentification of the information.
(5)Made subject to business processes to prevent inadvertent release of deidentified information.
(6)Protected from any reidentification attempts.
(7)Used solely for research purposes that are compatible with the context in which the personal information was collected.
(8)Not be used for any commercial purpose.
(9)Subjected by the business conducting the research to additional security controls limit access to the research data to only those individuals in a business as are necessary to carry out the research purpose.
(t)(1)Sell, selling, sale, or sold, means selling, renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, transferring, or otherwise communicating orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumers personal information by the business to another business or a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration.
(2)For purposes of this title, a business does not sell personal information when:
(A)A consumer uses or directs the business to intentionally disclose personal information or uses the business to intentionally interact with a third party, provided the third party does not also sell the personal information, unless that disclosure would be consistent with the provisions of this title. An intentional interaction occurs when the consumer intends to interact with the third party, via one or more deliberate interactions. Hovering over, muting, pausing, or closing a given piece of content does not constitute a consumers intent to interact with a third party.
(B)The business uses or shares an identifier for a consumer who has opted out of the sale of the consumers personal information for the purposes of alerting third parties that the consumer has opted out of the sale of the consumers personal information.
(C)The business uses or shares with a service provider personal information of a consumer that is necessary to perform a business purposes if both of the following conditions are met: services that the service provider performs on the business behalf, provided that the service provider also does not sell the personal information.
(i)The business has provided notice that information being used or shared in its terms and conditions consistent with Section 1798.135.
(ii)The service provider does not further collect, sell, or use the personal information of the consumer except as necessary to perform the business purpose.
(D)The business transfers to a third party the personal information of a consumer as an asset that is part of a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or other transaction in which the third party assumes control of all or part of the business provided that information is used or shared consistently with Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115. If a third party materially alters how it uses or shares the personal information of a consumer in a manner that is materially inconsistent with the promises made at the time of collection, it shall provide prior notice of the new or changed practice to the consumer. The notice shall be sufficiently prominent and robust to ensure that existing consumers can easily exercise their choices consistently with Section 1798.120. This subparagraph does not authorize a business to make material, retroactive privacy policy changes or make other changes in their privacy policy in a manner that would violate the Unfair and Deceptive Practices Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 17200) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code).
(u)Service or services means work, labor, and services, including services furnished in connection with the sale or repair of goods.
(v)Service provider means a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, association, or other legal entity that is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of its shareholders or other owners, that processes information on behalf of a business and to which the business discloses a consumers personal information for a business purpose pursuant to a written contract, provided that the contract prohibits the entity receiving the information from retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for any purpose other than for the specific purpose of performing the services specified in the contract for the business, or as otherwise permitted by this title, including retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for a commercial purpose other than providing the services specified in the contract with the business.
(w)Third party means a person who is not any of the following:
(1)The business that collects personal information from consumers under this title.
(2)A person to whom the business discloses a consumers personal information for a business purpose pursuant to a written contract, provided that the contract:
(A)Prohibits the person receiving the personal information from:
(i)Selling the personal information.
(ii)Retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for any purpose other than for the specific purpose of performing the services specified in the contract, including retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for a commercial purpose other than providing the services specified in the contract.
(iii)Retaining, using, or disclosing the information outside of the direct business relationship between the person and the business.
(B)Includes a certification made by the person receiving the personal information that the person understands the restrictions in subparagraph (A) and will comply with them.
A person covered by paragraph (2) that violates any of the restrictions set forth in this title shall be liable for the violations. A business that discloses personal information to a person covered by paragraph (2) in compliance with paragraph (2) shall not be liable under this title if the person receiving the personal information uses it in violation of the restrictions set forth in this title, provided that, at the time of disclosing the personal information, the business does not have actual knowledge, or reason to believe, that the person intends to commit such a violation.
(x)Unique identifier or Unique personal identifier means a persistent identifier that can be used to recognize a consumer, a family, or a device that is linked to a consumer or family, over time and across different services, including, but not limited to, a device identifier; an Internet Protocol address; cookies, beacons, pixel tags, mobile ad identifiers, or similar technology; customer number, unique pseudonym, or user alias; telephone numbers, or other forms of persistent or probabilistic identifiers that can be used to identify a particular consumer or device. For purposes of this subdivision, family means a custodial parent or guardian and any minor children over which the parent or guardian has custody.
(y)Verifiable consumer request means a request that is made by a consumer, by a consumer on behalf of the consumers minor child, or by a natural person or a person registered with the Secretary of State, authorized by the consumer to act on the consumers behalf, and that the business can reasonably verify, pursuant to regulations adopted by the Attorney General pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.185 to be the consumer about whom the business has collected personal information. A business is not obligated to provide information to the consumer pursuant to Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 if the business cannot verify, pursuant this subdivision and regulations adopted by the Attorney General pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.185, that the consumer making the request is the consumer about whom the business has collected information or is a person authorized by the consumer to act on such consumers behalf.
1798.145.(a)The obligations imposed on businesses by this title shall not restrict a businesss ability to:
(1)Comply with federal, state, or local laws.
(2)Comply with a civil, criminal, or regulatory inquiry, investigation, subpoena, or summons by federal, state, or local authorities.
(3)Cooperate with law enforcement agencies concerning conduct or activity that the business, service provider, or third party reasonably and in good faith believes may violate federal, state, or local law.
(4)Exercise or defend legal claims.
(5)Collect, use, retain, sell, or disclose consumer information that is deidentified or in the aggregate consumer information.
(6)Collect or sell a consumers personal information if every aspect of that commercial conduct takes place wholly outside of California. For purposes of this title, commercial conduct takes place wholly outside of California if the business collected that information while the consumer was outside of California, no part of the sale of the consumers personal information occurred in California, and no personal information collected while the consumer was in California is sold. This paragraph shall not permit a business from storing, including on a device, personal information about a consumer when the consumer is in California and then collecting that personal information when the consumer and stored personal information is outside of California.
(b)The obligations imposed on businesses by Sections 1798.110 to 1798.135, inclusive, shall not apply where compliance by the business with the title would violate an evidentiary privilege under California law and shall not prevent a business from providing the personal information of a consumer to a person covered by an evidentiary privilege under California law as part of a privileged communication.
(c)This act shall not apply to protected or health information that is collected by a covered entity governed by the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Part 2.6 (commencing with Section 56 of Division 1)) or governed by the privacy, security, and breach notification rules issued by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Parts 160 and 164 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, established pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Availability Act of 1996. For purposes of this subdivision, the definition of medical information in Section 56.05 shall apply and the definitions of protected health information and covered entity from the federal privacy rule shall apply.
(d)This title shall not apply to the sale of personal information to or from a consumer reporting agency if that information is to be reported in, or used to generate, a consumer report as defined by subdivision (d) of Section 1681a of Title 15 of the United States Code, and use of that information is limited by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq.).
(e)This title shall not apply to personal information collected, processed, sold, or disclosed pursuant to the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (Public Law 106-102), and implementing regulations, if it is in conflict with that law.
(f)This title shall not apply to personal information collected, processed, sold, or disclosed pursuant to the Drivers Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. Sec. 2721 et seq.), if it is in conflict with that act.
(g)Notwithstanding a business obligations to respond to and honor consumer rights requests pursuant to this title:
(1)A time period for a business to respond to any verified consumer request may be extended by up to 90 additional days where necessary, taking into account the complexity and number of the requests. The business shall inform the consumer of any such extension within 45 days of receipt of the request, together with the reasons for the delay.
(2)If the business does not take action on the request of the consumer, the business shall inform the consumer, without delay and at the latest within the time period permitted of response by this section, of the reasons for not taking action and any rights the consumer may have to appeal the decision to the business.
(3)If requests from a consumer are manifestly unfounded or excessive, in particular because of their repetitive character, a business may either charge a reasonable fee, taking into account the administrative costs of providing the information or communication or taking the action requested, or refuse to act on the request and notify the consumer of the reason for refusing the request. The business shall bear the burden of demonstrating that any verified consumer request is manifestly unfounded or excessive.
(h)A business that discloses personal information to a service provider shall not be liable under this title if the service provider receiving the personal information uses it in violation of the restrictions set forth in the title, provided that, at the time of disclosing the personal information, the business does not have actual knowledge, or reason to believe, that the service provider intends to commit such a violation. A service provider shall likewise not be liable under this title for the obligations of a business for which it provides services as set forth in this title.
(i)This title shall not be construed to require a business to reidentify or otherwise link information that is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
(j)The rights afforded to consumers and the obligations imposed on the business in this title shall not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of other consumers.
1798.150.(a)(1)Any consumer whose nonencrypted or nonredacted personal information, as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 1798.81.5, is subject to an unauthorized access and exfiltration, theft, or disclosure as a result of the business violation of the duty to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information to protect the personal information may institute a civil action for any of the following:
(A)To recover damages in an amount not less than one hundred dollars ($100) and not greater than seven hundred and fifty ($750) per consumer per incident or actual damages, whichever is greater.
(B)Injunctive or declaratory relief.
(C)Any other relief the court deems proper.
(2)In assessing the amount of statutory damages, the court shall consider any one or more of the relevant circumstances presented by any of the parties to the case, including, but not limited to, the nature and seriousness of the misconduct, the number of violations, the persistence of the misconduct, the length of time over which the misconduct occurred, the willfulness of the defendants misconduct, and the defendants assets, liabilities, and net worth.
(b)Actions pursuant to this section may be brought by a consumer if all of the following requirements are met:
(1)Prior to initiating any action against a business for statutory damages on an individual or class-wide basis, a consumer shall provide a business 30 days written notice identifying the specific provisions of this title the consumer alleges have been or are being violated. In the event a cure is possible, if within the 30 days the business actually cures the noticed violation and provides the consumer an express written statement that the violations have been cured and that no further violations shall occur, no action for individual statutory damages or class-wide statutory damages may be initiated against the business. No notice shall be required prior to an individual consumer initiating an action solely for actual pecuniary damages suffered as a result of the alleged violations of this title. If a business continues to violate this title in breach of the express written statement provided to the consumer under this section, the consumer may initiate an action against the business to enforce the written statement and may pursue statutory damages for each breach of the express written statement, as well as any other violation of the title that postdates the written statement.
(2)A consumer bringing an action as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) shall notify the Attorney General within 30 days that the action has been filed.
(3)The Attorney General, upon receiving such notice shall, within 30 days, do one of the following:
(A)Notify the consumer bringing the action of the Attorney Generals intent to prosecute an action against the violation. If the Attorney General does not prosecute within six months, the consumer may proceed with the action.
(B)Refrain from acting within the 30 days, allowing the consumer bringing the action to proceed.
(C)Notify the consumer bringing the action that the consumer shall not proceed with the action.
(c)Nothing in this act shall be interpreted to serve as the basis for a private right of action under any other law. This shall not be construed to relieve any party from any duties or obligations imposed under other law or the United States or California Constitution.
1798.155.Any business or third party may seek the opinion of the Attorney General for guidance on how to comply with the provisions of this title.
(a)A business shall be in violation of this title if it fails to cure any alleged violation within 30 days after being notified of alleged noncompliance. Any business, service provider, or other person that violates this title shall be liable for a civil penalty as provided in Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General. The civil penalties provided for in this section shall be exclusively assessed and recovered in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General.
(b)Notwithstanding Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code, any person, business, or service provider that intentionally violates this title may be liable for a civil penalty of up to seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) for each violation.
(c)Notwithstanding Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code, any civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 17206 for a violation of this title, and the proceeds of any settlement of an action brought pursuant to subdivision (a), shall be allocated as follows:
(1)Twenty percent to the Consumer Privacy Fund, created within the General Fund pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1798.109, with the intent to fully offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title.
(2)Eighty percent to the jurisdiction on whose behalf the action leading to the civil penalty was brought.
(d)It is the intent of the Legislature that the percentages specified in subdivision (c) be adjusted as necessary to ensure that any civil penalties assessed for a violation of this title fully offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title, including a sufficient amount to cover any deficit from a prior fiscal year.
1798.160.(a)A special fund to be known as the Consumer Privacy Fund is hereby created within the General Fund in the State Treasury, and is available upon appropriation by the Legislature to offset any costs incurred by the state courts in connection with actions brought to enforce this title and any costs incurred by the Attorney General in carrying out the Attorney Generals duties under this title.
(b)Funds transferred to the Consumer Privacy Fund shall be used exclusively to offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title. These funds shall not be subject to appropriation or transfer by the Legislature for any other purpose, unless the Director of Finance determines that the funds are in excess of the funding needed to fully offset the costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title, in which case the Legislature may appropriate excess funds for other purposes.
1798.175.This title is intended to further the constitutional right of privacy and to supplement existing laws relating to consumers personal information, including, but not limited to, Chapter 22 (commencing with Section 22575) of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code and Title 1.81 (commencing with Section 1798.80). The provisions of this title are not limited to information collected electronically or over the Internet, but apply to the collection and sale of all personal information collected by a business from consumers. Wherever possible, law relating to consumers personal information should be construed to harmonize with the provisions of this title, but in the event of a conflict between other laws and the provisions of this title, the provisions of the law that afford the greatest protection for the right of privacy for consumers shall control.
1798.180.This title is a matter of statewide concern and supersedes and preempts all rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, and other laws adopted by a city, county, city and county, municipality, or local agency regarding the collection and sale of consumers personal information by a business.
1798.185.(a)On or before January 1, 2020, the Attorney General shall solicit broad public participation to adopt regulations to further the purposes of this title, including, but not limited to, the following areas:
(1)Updating as needed additional categories of personal information to those enumerated in subdivision (c) of Section 1798.130 and subdivision (o) of Section 1798.140 in order to address changes in technology, data collection practices, obstacles to implementation, and privacy concerns.
(2)Updating as needed the definition of unique identifiers to address changes in technology, data collection, obstacles to implementation, and privacy concerns, and additional categories to the definition of designated methods for submitting requests to facilitate a consumers ability to obtain information from a business pursuant to Section 1798.130.
(3)Establishing any exceptions necessary to comply with state or federal law, including, but not limited to, those relating to trade secrets and intellectual property rights, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter.
(4)Establishing rules and procedures for the following, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter:
(A)To facilitate and govern the submission of a request by a consumer to opt out of the sale of personal information pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.145.
(B)To govern business compliance with a consumers opt-out request.
(C)The development and use of a recognizable and uniform opt-out logo or button by all businesses to promote consumer awareness of the opportunity to opt out of the sale of personal information.
(5)Adjusting the monetary threshold in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 1798.106 in January of every odd-numbered year to reflect any increase in the Consumer Price Index.
(6)Establishing rules, procedures, and any exceptions necessary to ensure that the notices and information that businesses are required to provide pursuant to this title are provided in a manner that may be easily understood by the average consumer, are accessible to consumers with disabilities, and are available in the language primarily used to interact with the consumer, including establishing rules and guidelines regarding financial incentive offerings, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter.
(7)Establishing rules and procedures to further the purposes of Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 and to facilitate a consumers or the consumers authorized agents ability to obtain information pursuant to Section 1798.130, with the goal of minimizing the administrative burden on consumers, taking into account available technology, security concerns, and the burden on the business, to govern a business determination that a request for information received by a consumer is a verifiable request, including treating a request submitted through a password-protected account maintained by the consumer with the business while the consumer is logged into the account as a verifiable request and providing a mechanism for a consumer who does not maintain an account with the business to request information through the business authentication of the consumers identity, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter.
(b)The Attorney General may adopt additional regulations as necessary to further the purposes of this title.
1798.190.If a series of steps or transactions were component parts of a single transaction intended from the beginning to be taken with the intention of avoiding the reach of this title, including the disclosure of information by a business to a third party in order to avoid the definition of sell, a court shall disregard the intermediate steps or transactions for purposes of effectuating the purposes of this title.
1798.192.Any provision of a contract or agreement of any kind that purports to waive or limit in any way a consumers rights under this title, including, but not limited to, any right to a remedy or means of enforcement, shall be deemed contrary to public policy and shall be void and unenforceable. This section shall not prevent a consumer from declining to request information from a business, declining to opt out of a business sale of the consumers personal information, or authorizing a business to sell the consumers personal information after previously opting out.
1798.194.This title shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.
1798.196.This title is intended to supplement federal and state law, if permissible, but shall not apply if such application is preempted by, or in conflict with, federal law or the California Constitution.
1798.198.(a)Subject to limitation provided in subdivision (b), this title shall be operative January 1, 2020.
(b)This act shall become operative only if initiative measure No. 17-0039, The Consumer Right to Privacy Act of 2018, is withdrawn from the ballot pursuant to Section 9604 of the Elections Code.
SEC. 4.(a)The provisions of this bill are severable. If any provision of this bill or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
This measure shall be known and may be cited as The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018.
SEC. 2.The Legislature finds and declares that:
(a)In 1972, California voters amended the California Constitution to include the right of privacy among the inalienable rights of all people. The amendment established a legal and enforceable right of privacy for every Californian. Fundamental to this right of privacy is the ability of individuals to control the use, including the sale, of their personal information.
(b)Since California voters approved the right of privacy, the California Legislature has adopted specific mechanisms to safeguard Californians privacy, including the Online Privacy Protection Act, the Privacy Rights for California Minors in the Digital World Act, and Shine the Light, a California law intended to give Californians the who, what, where, and when of how businesses handle consumers personal information.
(c)At the same time, California is one of the worlds leaders in the development of new technologies and related industries. Yet the proliferation of personal information has limited Californians ability to properly protect and safeguard their privacy. It is almost impossible to apply for a job, raise a child, drive a car, or make an appointment without sharing personal information.
(d)As the role of technology and data in the every daily lives of consumers increases, there is an increase in the amount of personal information shared by consumers with businesses. California law has not kept pace with these developments and the personal privacy implications surrounding the collection, use, and protection of personal information.
(e)Many businesses collect personal information from California consumers. They may know where a consumer lives and how many children a consumer has, how fast a consumer drives, a consumers personality, sleep habits, biometric and health information, financial information, precise geolocation information, and social networks, to name a few categories.
(f)The unauthorized disclosure of personal information and the loss of privacy can have devastating effects for individuals, ranging from financial fraud, identity theft, and unnecessary costs to personal time and finances, to destruction of property, harassment, reputational damage, emotional stress, and even potential physical harm.
(g)In March 2018, it came to light that tens of millions of people had their personal data misused by a data mining firm called Cambridge Analytica. A series of congressional hearings highlighted that our personal information may be vulnerable to misuse when shared on the Internet. As a result, our desire for privacy controls and transparency in data practices is heightened.
(h)People desire privacy and more control over their information. California consumers should be able to exercise control over their personal information, and they want to be certain that there are safeguards against misuse of their personal information. It is possible for businesses both to respect consumers privacy and provide a high level transparency to their business practices.
(i)Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature to further Californians right to privacy by giving consumers an effective way to control their personal information, by ensuring the following rights:
(1)The right of Californians to know what personal information is being collected about them.
(2)The right of Californians to know whether their personal information is sold or disclosed and to whom.
(3)The right of Californians to say no to the sale of personal information.
(4)The right of Californians to access their personal information.
(5)The right of Californians to equal service and price, even if they exercise their privacy rights.
SEC. 3.Title 1.81.5 (commencing with Section 1798.100) is added to Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, to read:1.81.5.California Consumer Privacy Act of 20181798.100.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business that collects a consumers personal information disclose to that consumer the categories and specific pieces of personal information the business has collected.
(b)A business that collects a consumers personal information shall, at or before the point of collection, inform consumers as to the categories of personal information to be collected and the purposes for which the categories of personal information shall be used. A business shall not collect additional categories of personal information or use personal information collected for additional purposes without providing the consumer with notice consistent with this section.
(c)A business shall provide the information specified in subdivision (a) to a consumer only upon receipt of a verifiable consumer request.
(d)A business that receives a verifiable consumer request from a consumer to access personal information shall promptly take steps to disclose and deliver, free of charge to the consumer, the personal information required by this section. The information may be delivered by mail or electronically, and if provided electronically, the information shall be in a portable and, to the extent technically feasible, in a readily useable format that allows the consumer to transmit this information to another entity without hindrance. A business may provide personal information to a consumer at any time, but shall not be required to provide personal information to a consumer more than twice in a 12-month period.
(e)This section shall not require a business to retain any personal information collected for a single, one-time transaction, if such information is not sold or retained by the business or to reidentify or otherwise link information that is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
(1)Retain any personal information collected for a single, one-time transaction, if the information is not sold or retained by the business.
(2)Reidentify or otherwise link any data that, in the ordinary course of business, is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
1798.105.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business delete any personal information about the consumer which the business has collected from the consumer.
(b)A business that collects personal information about consumers shall disclose, pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130, the consumers rights to request the deletion of the consumers personal information.
(c)A business that receives a verifiable request from a consumer to delete the consumers personal information pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section shall delete the consumers personal information from its records and direct any service providers to delete the consumers personal information from their records.
(d)A business or a service provider shall not be required to comply with a consumers request to delete the consumers personal information if it is necessary for the business or service provider to maintain the consumers personal information in order to:
(1)Complete the transaction for which the personal information was collected, provide a good or service requested by the consumer, or reasonably anticipated within the context of a businesss ongoing business relationship with the consumer, or otherwise perform a contract between the business and the consumer.
(2)Detect security incidents, protect against malicious, deceptive, fraudulent, or illegal activity; or prosecute those responsible for that activity.
(3)Debug to identify and repair errors that impair existing intended functionality.
(4)Exercise free speech, ensure the right of another consumer to exercise his or her right of free speech, or exercise another right provided for by law.
(5)Comply with the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act pursuant to Chapter 3.6 (commencing with Section 1546) of Title 12 of Part 2 of the Penal Code.
(6)Engage in public or peer-reviewed scientific, historical, or statistical research in the public interest that adheres to all other applicable ethics and privacy laws, when the businesses deletion of the information is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of such research, if the consumer has provided informed consent.
(7)To enable solely internal uses that are reasonably aligned with the expectations of the consumer based on the consumers relationship with the business.
(8)Comply with a legal obligation.
(9)Otherwise use the consumers personal information, internally, in a lawful manner that is compatible with the context in which the consumer provided the information.
1798.110.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business that collects personal information about the consumer disclose to the consumer the following:
(1)The categories of personal information it has collected about that consumer.
(2)The categories of sources from which the personal information is collected.
(3)The business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling personal information.
(4)The categories of third parties with whom the business shares personal information.
(5)The specific pieces of personal information it has collected about that consumer.
(b)A business that collects personal information about a consumer shall disclose to the consumer, pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130, the information specified in subdivision (a) upon receipt of a verifiable request from the consumer.
(c)A business that collects personal information about consumers shall disclose, pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130:
(1)The categories of personal information it has collected about that consumer.
(2)The categories of sources from which the personal information is collected.
(3)The business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling personal information.
(4)The categories of third parties with whom the business shares personal information.
(5)The specific pieces of personal information the business has collected about that consumer.
(d)This section does not require a business to do the following:
(1)Retain any personal information about a consumer collected for a single one-time transaction if, in the ordinary course of business, that information about the consumer is not retained.
(2)Reidentify or otherwise link any data that, in the ordinary course of business, is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
1798.115.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business that sells the consumers personal information, or that discloses it for a business purpose, disclose to that consumer:
(1)The categories of personal information that the business collected about the consumer.
(2)The categories of personal information that the business sold about the consumer and the categories of third parties to whom the personal information was sold, by category or categories of personal information for each third party to whom the personal information was sold.
(3)The categories of personal information that the business disclosed about the consumer for a business purpose.
(b)A business that sells personal information about a consumer, or that discloses a consumers personal information for a business purpose, shall disclose, pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130, the information specified in subdivision (a) to the consumer upon receipt of a verifiable request from the consumer.
(c)A business that sells consumers personal information, or that discloses consumers personal information for a business purpose, shall disclose, pursuant to subparagraph (C) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130:
(1)The category or categories of consumers personal information it has sold, or if the business has not sold consumers personal information, it shall disclose that fact.
(2)The category or categories of consumers personal information it has disclosed for a business purpose, or if the business has not disclosed the consumers personal information for a business purpose, it shall disclose that fact.
(d)A third party shall not sell personal information about a consumer that has been sold to the third party by a business unless the consumer has received explicit notice and is provided an opportunity to exercise the right to opt out pursuant to 1798.120.
1798.120.(a)A consumer shall have the right, at any time, to direct a business that sells personal information about the consumer to third parties not to sell the consumers personal information. This right may be referred to as the right to opt out.
(b)A business that sells consumers personal information to third parties shall provide notice to consumers, pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1798.135, that this information may be sold and that consumers have the right to opt out of the sale of their personal information.
(c)A business that has received direction from a consumer not to sell the consumers personal information or, in the case of a minor consumers personal information has not received consent to sell the minor consumers personal information shall be prohibited, pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.135, from selling the consumers personal information after its receipt of the consumers direction, unless the consumer subsequently provides express authorization for the sale of the consumers personal information.
(d)Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a business shall not sell the personal information of consumers if the business has actual knowledge that the consumer is less than 16 years of age, unless the consumer, in the case of consumers between 13 and 16 years of age, or the consumers parent or guardian, in the case of consumers who are less than 13 years of age, has affirmatively authorized the sale of the consumers personal information. A business that willfully disregards the consumers age shall be deemed to have had actual knowledge of the consumers age. This right may be referred to as the right to opt in.
1798.125.(a)(1)A business shall not discriminate against a consumer because the consumer exercised any of the consumers rights under this title, including, but not limited to, by:
(A)Denying goods or services to the consumer.
(B)Charging different prices or rates for goods or services, including through the use of discounts or other benefits or imposing penalties.
(C)Providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if the consumer exercises the consumers rights under this title.
(D)Suggesting that the consumer will receive a different price or rate for goods or services or a different level or quality of goods or services.
(2)Nothing in this subdivision prohibits a business from charging a consumer a different price or rate, or from providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if that difference is reasonably related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumers data.
(b)(1)A business may offer financial incentives, including payments to consumers as compensation, for the collection of personal information, the sale of personal information, or the deletion of personal information. A business may also offer a different price, rate, level, or quality of goods or services to the consumer if that price or difference is directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumers data.
(2)A business that offers any financial incentives pursuant to subdivision (a), shall notify consumers of the financial incentives pursuant to Section 1798.135.
(3)A business may enter a consumer into a financial incentive program only if the consumer gives the business prior opt-in consent pursuant to Section 1798.135 which clearly describes the material terms of the financial incentive program, and which may be revoked by the consumer at any time.
(4)A business shall not use financial incentive practices that are unjust, unreasonable, coercive, or usurious in nature.
1798.130.(a)In order to comply with Sections 1798.100, 1798.105, 1798.110, 1798.115, and 1798.125, in a form that is reasonably accessible to consumers, a business shall:
(1)Make available to consumers two or more designated methods for submitting requests for information required to be disclosed pursuant to Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115, including, at a minimum, a toll-free telephone number, and if the business maintains an Internet Web site, a Web site address.
(2)Disclose and deliver the required information to a consumer free of charge within 45 days of receiving a verifiable request from the consumer. The business shall promptly take steps to determine whether the request is a verifiable request, but this shall not extend the businesss duty to disclose and deliver the information within 45 days of receipt of the consumers request. The time period to provide the required information may be extended once by an additional 45 days when reasonably necessary, provided the consumer is provided notice of the extension within the first 45-day period. The disclosure shall cover the 12-month period preceding the businesss receipt of the verifiable request and shall be made in writing and delivered through the consumers account with the business, if the consumer maintains an account with the business, or by mail or electronically at the consumers option if the consumer does not maintain an account with the business, in a readily useable format that allows the consumer to transmit this information from one entity to another entity without hindrance. The business shall not require the consumer to create an account with the business in order to make a verifiable request.
(3)For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 1798.110:
(A)To identify the consumer, associate the information provided by the consumer in the verifiable request to any personal information previously collected by the business about the consumer.
(B)Identify by category or categories the personal information collected about the consumer in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information collected.
(4)For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 1798.115:
(A)Identify the consumer and associate the information provided by the consumer in the verifiable request to any personal information previously collected by the business about the consumer.
(B)Identify by category or categories the personal information of the consumer that the business sold in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information, and provide the categories of third parties to whom the consumers personal information was sold in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information sold. The business shall disclose the information in a list that is separate from a list generated for the purposes of subparagraph (C).
(C)Identify by category or categories the personal information of the consumer that the business disclosed for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information, and provide the categories of third parties to whom the consumers personal information was disclosed for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information disclosed. The business shall disclose the information in a list that is separate from a list generated for the purposes of subparagraph (B).
(5)Disclose the following information in its online privacy policy or policies if the business has an online privacy policy or policies and in any California-specific description of consumers privacy rights, or if the business does not maintain those policies, on its Internet Web site, and update that information at least once every 12 months:
(A)A description of a consumers rights pursuant to Sections 1798.110, 1798.115, and 1798.125 and one or more designated methods for submitting requests.
(B)For purposes of subdivision (c) of Section 1798.110, a list of the categories of personal information it has collected about consumers in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describe the personal information collected.
(C)For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 1798.115, two separate lists:
(i)A list of the categories of personal information it has sold about consumers in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describe the personal information sold, or if the business has not sold consumers personal information in the preceding 12 months, the business shall disclose that fact.
(ii)A list of the categories of personal information it has disclosed about consumers for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category in subdivision (c) that most closely describe the personal information disclosed, or if the business has not disclosed consumers personal information for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months, the business shall disclose that fact.
(6)Ensure that all individuals responsible for handling consumer inquiries about the businesss privacy practices or the businesss compliance with this title are informed of all requirements in Sections 1798.110, 1798.115, 1798.125, and this section, and how to direct consumers to exercise their rights under those sections.
(7)Use any personal information collected from the consumer in connection with the businesss verification of the consumers request solely for the purposes of verification.
(b)A business is not obligated to provide the information required by Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 to the same consumer more than twice in a 12-month period.
(c)The categories of personal information required to be disclosed pursuant to Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 shall follow the definition of personal information in Section 1798.140.
1798.135.(a)A business that is required to comply with Section 1798.120 shall, in a form that is reasonably accessible to consumers:
(1)Provide a clear and conspicuous link on the business Internet homepage, titled Do Not Sell My Personal Information, to an Internet Web page that enables a consumer, or a person authorized by the consumer, to opt out of the sale of the consumers personal information. A business shall not require a consumer to create an account in order to direct the business not to sell the consumers personal information.
(2)Include a description of a consumers rights pursuant to Section 1798.120, along with a separate link to the Do Not Sell My Personal Information Internet Web page in:
(A)Its online privacy policy or policies if the business has an online privacy policy or policies.
(B)Any California-specific description of consumers privacy rights.
(3)Ensure that all individuals responsible for handling consumer inquiries about the businesss privacy practices or the businesss compliance with this title are informed of all requirements in Section 1798.120 and this section and how to direct consumers to exercise their rights under those sections.
(4)For consumers who exercise their right to opt out of the sale of their personal information, refrain from selling personal information collected by the business about the consumer.
(5)For a consumer who has opted out of the sale of the consumers personal information, respect the consumers decision to opt out for at least 12 months before requesting that the consumer authorize the sale of the consumers personal information.
(6)Use any personal information collected from the consumer in connection with the submission of the consumers opt-out request solely for the purposes of complying with the opt-out request.
(b)Nothing in this title shall be construed to require a business to comply with the title by including the required links and text on the homepage that the business makes available to the public generally, if the business maintains a separate and additional homepage that is dedicated to California consumers and that includes the required links and text, and the business takes reasonable steps to ensure that California consumers are directed to the homepage for California consumers and not the homepage made available to the public generally.
(c)A consumer may authorize another person solely to opt out of the sale of the consumers personal information on the consumers behalf, and a business shall comply with an opt out request received from a person authorized by the consumer to act on the consumers behalf, pursuant to regulations adopted by the Attorney General.
1798.140.For purposes of this title:
(a)Aggregate consumer information means information that relates to a group or category of consumers, from which individual consumer identities have been removed, that is not linked or reasonably linkable to any consumer or household, including via a device. Aggregate consumer information does not mean one or more individual consumer records that have been deidentified.
(b)Biometric information means an individuals physiological, biological or behavioral characteristics, including an individuals deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), that can be used, singly or in combination with each other or with other identifying data, to establish individual identity. Biometric information includes, but is not limited to, imagery of the iris, retina, fingerprint, face, hand, palm, vein patterns, and voice recordings, from which an identifier template, such as a faceprint, a minutiae template, or a voiceprint, can be extracted, and keystroke patterns or rhythms, gait patterns or rhythms, and sleep, health, or exercise data that contain identifying information.
(c)Business means:
(1)A sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, association, or other legal entity that is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of its shareholders or other owners, that collects consumers personal information, or on the behalf of which such information is collected and that alone, or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of consumers personal information, that does business in the State of California, and that satisfies one or more of the following thresholds:
(A)Has annual gross revenues in excess of twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000), as adjusted pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.185.
(B)Alone or in combination, annually buys, receives for the business commercial purposes, sells, or shares for commercial purposes, alone or in combination, the personal information of 50,000 or more consumers, households, or devices.
(C)Derives 50 percent or more of its annual revenues from selling consumers personal information.
(2)Any entity that controls or is controlled by a business, as defined in paragraph (1), and that shares common branding with the business. Control or controlled means ownership of, or the power to vote, more than 50 percent of the outstanding shares of any class of voting security of a business; control in any manner over the election of a majority of the directors, or of individuals exercising similar functions; or the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management of a company. Common branding means a shared name, servicemark, or trademark.
(d)Business purpose means the use of personal information for the business or a service providers operational purposes, or other notified purposes, provided that the use of personal information shall be reasonably necessary and proportionate to achieve the operational purpose for which the personal information was collected or processed or for another operational purpose that is compatible with the context in which the personal information was collected. Business purposes are:
(1)Auditing related to a current interaction with the consumer and concurrent transactions, including, but not limited to, counting ad impressions to unique visitors, verifying positioning and quality of ad impressions, and auditing compliance with this specification and other standards.
(2)Detecting security incidents, protecting against malicious, deceptive, fraudulent, or illegal activity, and prosecuting those responsible for that activity.
(3)Debugging to identify and repair errors that impair existing intended functionality.
(4)Short-term, transient use, provided the personal information that is not disclosed to another third party and is not used to build a profile about a consumer or otherwise alter an individual consumers experience outside the current interaction, including, but not limited to, the contextual customization of ads shown as part of the same interaction.
(5)Performing services on behalf of the business or service provider, including maintaining or servicing accounts, providing customer service, processing or fulfilling orders and transactions, verifying customer information, processing payments, providing financing, providing advertising or marketing services, providing analytic services, or providing similar services on behalf of the business or service provider.
(6)Undertaking internal research for technological development and demonstration.
(7)Undertaking activities to verify or maintain the quality or safety of a service or device that is owned, manufactured, manufactured for, or controlled by the business, and to improve, upgrade, or enhance the service or device that is owned, manufactured, manufactured for, or controlled by the business.
(e)Collects, collected, or collection means buying, renting, gathering, obtaining, receiving, or accessing any personal information pertaining to a consumer by any means. This includes receiving information from the consumer, either actively or passively, or by observing the consumers behavior.
(f)Commercial purposes means to advance a persons commercial or economic interests, such as by inducing another person to buy, rent, lease, join, subscribe to, provide, or exchange products, goods, property, information, or services, or enabling or effecting, directly or indirectly, a commercial transaction. Commercial purposes do not include for the purpose of engaging in speech that state or federal courts have recognized as noncommercial speech, including political speech and journalism.
(g)Consumer means a natural person who is a California resident, as defined in Section 17014 of Title 18 of the California Code of Regulations, as that section read on September 1, 2017, however identified, including by any unique identifier.
(h)Deidentified means information that cannot reasonably identify, relate to, describe, be capable of being associated with, or be linked, directly or indirectly, to a particular consumer, provided that a business that uses deidentified information:
(1)Has implemented technical safeguards that prohibit reidentification of the consumer to whom the information may pertain.
(2)Has implemented business processes that specifically prohibit reidentification of the information.
(3)Has implemented business processes to prevent inadvertent release of deidentified information.
(4)Makes no attempt to reidentify the information.
(i)Designated methods for submitting requests means a mailing address, email address, Internet Web page, Internet Web portal, toll-free telephone number, or other applicable contact information, whereby consumers may submit a request or direction under this title, and any new, consumer-friendly means of contacting a business, as approved by the Attorney General pursuant to Section 1798.185.
(j)Device means any physical object that is capable of connecting to the Internet, directly or indirectly, or to another device.
(k)Health insurance information means a consumers insurance policy number or subscriber identification number, any unique identifier used by a health insurer to identify the consumer, or any information in the consumers application and claims history, including any appeals records, if the information is linked or reasonably linkable to a consumer or household, including via a device, by a business or service provider.
(l)Homepage means the introductory page of an Internet Web site and any Internet Web page where personal information is collected. In the case of an online service, such as a mobile application, homepage means the applications platform page or download page, a link within the application, such as from the application configuration, About, Information, or settings page, and any other location that allows consumers to review the notice required by subdivision (a) of Section 1798.145, including, but not limited to, before downloading the application.
(m)Infer or inference means the derivation of information, data, assumptions, or conclusions from facts, evidence, or another source of information or data.
(n)Person means an individual, proprietorship, firm, partnership, joint venture, syndicate, business trust, company, corporation, limited liability company, association, committee, and any other organization or group of persons acting in concert.
(o)(1)Personal information means 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. Personal information includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(A)Identifiers such as a real name, alias, postal address, unique personal identifier, online identifier Internet Protocol address, email address, account name, social security number, drivers license number, passport number, or other similar identifiers.
(B)Any categories of personal information described in subdivision (e) of Section 1798.80.
(C)Characteristics of protected classifications under California or federal law.
(D)Commercial information, including records of personal property, products or services purchased, obtained, or considered, or other purchasing or consuming histories or tendencies.
(E)Biometric information.
(F)Internet or other electronic network activity information, including, but not limited to, browsing history, search history, and information regarding a consumers interaction with an Internet Web site, application, or advertisement.
(G)Geolocation data.
(H)Audio, electronic, visual, thermal, olfactory, or similar information.
(I)Professional or employment-related information.
(J)Education information, defined as information that is not publicly available personally identifiable information as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. section 1232g, 34 C.F.R. Part 99).
(K)Inferences drawn from any of the information identified in this subdivision to create a profile about a consumer reflecting the consumers preferences, characteristics, psychological trends, preferences, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes.
(2)Personal information does not include publicly available information. For these purposes, publicly available means information that is lawfully made available from federal, state, or local government records, if any conditions associated with such information. Publicly available does not mean biometric information collected by a business about a consumer without the consumers knowledge. Information is not publicly available if that data is used for a purpose that is not compatible with the purpose for which the data is maintained and made available in the government records or for which it is publicly maintained. Publicly available does not include consumer information that is deidentified or aggregate consumer information.
(p)Probabilistic identifier means the identification of a consumer or a device to a degree of certainty of more probable than not based on any categories of personal information included in, or similar to, the categories enumerated in the definition of personal information.
(q)Processing means any operation or set of operations that are performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means.
(r)Pseudonymize or Pseudonymization means the processing of personal information in a manner that renders the personal information no longer attributable to a specific consumer without the use of additional information, provided that the additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organizational measures to ensure that the personal information is not attributed to an identified or identifiable consumer.
(s)Research means scientific, systematic study and observation, including basic research or applied research that is in the public interest and that adheres to all other applicable ethics and privacy laws or studies conducted in the public interest in the area of public health. Research with personal information that may have been collected from a consumer in the course of the consumers interactions with a business service or device for other purposes shall be:
(1)Compatible with the business purpose for which the personal information was collected.
(2)Subsequently pseudonymized and deidentified, or deidentified and in the aggregate, such that the information cannot reasonably identify, relate to, describe, be capable of being associated with, or be linked, directly or indirectly, to a particular consumer.
(3)Made subject to technical safeguards that prohibit reidentification of the consumer to whom the information may pertain.
(4)Subject to business processes that specifically prohibit reidentification of the information.
(5)Made subject to business processes to prevent inadvertent release of deidentified information.
(6)Protected from any reidentification attempts.
(7)Used solely for research purposes that are compatible with the context in which the personal information was collected.
(8)Not be used for any commercial purpose.
(9)Subjected by the business conducting the research to additional security controls limit access to the research data to only those individuals in a business as are necessary to carry out the research purpose.
(t)(1)Sell, selling, sale, or sold, means selling, renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, transferring, or otherwise communicating orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumers personal information by the business to another business or a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration.
(2)For purposes of this title, a business does not sell personal information when:
(A)A consumer uses or directs the business to intentionally disclose personal information or uses the business to intentionally interact with a third party, provided the third party does not also sell the personal information, unless that disclosure would be consistent with the provisions of this title. An intentional interaction occurs when the consumer intends to interact with the third party, via one or more deliberate interactions. Hovering over, muting, pausing, or closing a given piece of content does not constitute a consumers intent to interact with a third party.
(B)The business uses or shares an identifier for a consumer who has opted out of the sale of the consumers personal information for the purposes of alerting third parties that the consumer has opted out of the sale of the consumers personal information.
(C)The business uses or shares with a service provider personal information of a consumer that is necessary to perform a business purposes if both of the following conditions are met: services that the service provider performs on the business behalf, provided that the service provider also does not sell the personal information.
(i)The business has provided notice that information being used or shared in its terms and conditions consistent with Section 1798.135.
(ii)The service provider does not further collect, sell, or use the personal information of the consumer except as necessary to perform the business purpose.
(D)The business transfers to a third party the personal information of a consumer as an asset that is part of a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or other transaction in which the third party assumes control of all or part of the business provided that information is used or shared consistently with Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115. If a third party materially alters how it uses or shares the personal information of a consumer in a manner that is materially inconsistent with the promises made at the time of collection, it shall provide prior notice of the new or changed practice to the consumer. The notice shall be sufficiently prominent and robust to ensure that existing consumers can easily exercise their choices consistently with Section 1798.120. This subparagraph does not authorize a business to make material, retroactive privacy policy changes or make other changes in their privacy policy in a manner that would violate the Unfair and Deceptive Practices Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 17200) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code).
(u)Service or services means work, labor, and services, including services furnished in connection with the sale or repair of goods.
(v)Service provider means a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, association, or other legal entity that is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of its shareholders or other owners, that processes information on behalf of a business and to which the business discloses a consumers personal information for a business purpose pursuant to a written contract, provided that the contract prohibits the entity receiving the information from retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for any purpose other than for the specific purpose of performing the services specified in the contract for the business, or as otherwise permitted by this title, including retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for a commercial purpose other than providing the services specified in the contract with the business.
(w)Third party means a person who is not any of the following:
(1)The business that collects personal information from consumers under this title.
(2)A person to whom the business discloses a consumers personal information for a business purpose pursuant to a written contract, provided that the contract:
(A)Prohibits the person receiving the personal information from:
(i)Selling the personal information.
(ii)Retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for any purpose other than for the specific purpose of performing the services specified in the contract, including retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for a commercial purpose other than providing the services specified in the contract.
(iii)Retaining, using, or disclosing the information outside of the direct business relationship between the person and the business.
(B)Includes a certification made by the person receiving the personal information that the person understands the restrictions in subparagraph (A) and will comply with them.
A person covered by paragraph (2) that violates any of the restrictions set forth in this title shall be liable for the violations. A business that discloses personal information to a person covered by paragraph (2) in compliance with paragraph (2) shall not be liable under this title if the person receiving the personal information uses it in violation of the restrictions set forth in this title, provided that, at the time of disclosing the personal information, the business does not have actual knowledge, or reason to believe, that the person intends to commit such a violation.
(x)Unique identifier or Unique personal identifier means a persistent identifier that can be used to recognize a consumer, a family, or a device that is linked to a consumer or family, over time and across different services, including, but not limited to, a device identifier; an Internet Protocol address; cookies, beacons, pixel tags, mobile ad identifiers, or similar technology; customer number, unique pseudonym, or user alias; telephone numbers, or other forms of persistent or probabilistic identifiers that can be used to identify a particular consumer or device. For purposes of this subdivision, family means a custodial parent or guardian and any minor children over which the parent or guardian has custody.
(y)Verifiable consumer request means a request that is made by a consumer, by a consumer on behalf of the consumers minor child, or by a natural person or a person registered with the Secretary of State, authorized by the consumer to act on the consumers behalf, and that the business can reasonably verify, pursuant to regulations adopted by the Attorney General pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.185 to be the consumer about whom the business has collected personal information. A business is not obligated to provide information to the consumer pursuant to Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 if the business cannot verify, pursuant this subdivision and regulations adopted by the Attorney General pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.185, that the consumer making the request is the consumer about whom the business has collected information or is a person authorized by the consumer to act on such consumers behalf.
1798.145.(a)The obligations imposed on businesses by this title shall not restrict a businesss ability to:
(1)Comply with federal, state, or local laws.
(2)Comply with a civil, criminal, or regulatory inquiry, investigation, subpoena, or summons by federal, state, or local authorities.
(3)Cooperate with law enforcement agencies concerning conduct or activity that the business, service provider, or third party reasonably and in good faith believes may violate federal, state, or local law.
(4)Exercise or defend legal claims.
(5)Collect, use, retain, sell, or disclose consumer information that is deidentified or in the aggregate consumer information.
(6)Collect or sell a consumers personal information if every aspect of that commercial conduct takes place wholly outside of California. For purposes of this title, commercial conduct takes place wholly outside of California if the business collected that information while the consumer was outside of California, no part of the sale of the consumers personal information occurred in California, and no personal information collected while the consumer was in California is sold. This paragraph shall not permit a business from storing, including on a device, personal information about a consumer when the consumer is in California and then collecting that personal information when the consumer and stored personal information is outside of California.
(b)The obligations imposed on businesses by Sections 1798.110 to 1798.135, inclusive, shall not apply where compliance by the business with the title would violate an evidentiary privilege under California law and shall not prevent a business from providing the personal information of a consumer to a person covered by an evidentiary privilege under California law as part of a privileged communication.
(c)This act shall not apply to protected or health information that is collected by a covered entity governed by the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Part 2.6 (commencing with Section 56 of Division 1)) or governed by the privacy, security, and breach notification rules issued by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Parts 160 and 164 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, established pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Availability Act of 1996. For purposes of this subdivision, the definition of medical information in Section 56.05 shall apply and the definitions of protected health information and covered entity from the federal privacy rule shall apply.
(d)This title shall not apply to the sale of personal information to or from a consumer reporting agency if that information is to be reported in, or used to generate, a consumer report as defined by subdivision (d) of Section 1681a of Title 15 of the United States Code, and use of that information is limited by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq.).
(e)This title shall not apply to personal information collected, processed, sold, or disclosed pursuant to the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (Public Law 106-102), and implementing regulations, if it is in conflict with that law.
(f)This title shall not apply to personal information collected, processed, sold, or disclosed pursuant to the Drivers Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. Sec. 2721 et seq.), if it is in conflict with that act.
(g)Notwithstanding a business obligations to respond to and honor consumer rights requests pursuant to this title:
(1)A time period for a business to respond to any verified consumer request may be extended by up to 90 additional days where necessary, taking into account the complexity and number of the requests. The business shall inform the consumer of any such extension within 45 days of receipt of the request, together with the reasons for the delay.
(2)If the business does not take action on the request of the consumer, the business shall inform the consumer, without delay and at the latest within the time period permitted of response by this section, of the reasons for not taking action and any rights the consumer may have to appeal the decision to the business.
(3)If requests from a consumer are manifestly unfounded or excessive, in particular because of their repetitive character, a business may either charge a reasonable fee, taking into account the administrative costs of providing the information or communication or taking the action requested, or refuse to act on the request and notify the consumer of the reason for refusing the request. The business shall bear the burden of demonstrating that any verified consumer request is manifestly unfounded or excessive.
(h)A business that discloses personal information to a service provider shall not be liable under this title if the service provider receiving the personal information uses it in violation of the restrictions set forth in the title, provided that, at the time of disclosing the personal information, the business does not have actual knowledge, or reason to believe, that the service provider intends to commit such a violation. A service provider shall likewise not be liable under this title for the obligations of a business for which it provides services as set forth in this title.
(i)This title shall not be construed to require a business to reidentify or otherwise link information that is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
(j)The rights afforded to consumers and the obligations imposed on the business in this title shall not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of other consumers.
1798.150.(a)(1)Any consumer whose nonencrypted or nonredacted personal information, as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 1798.81.5, is subject to an unauthorized access and exfiltration, theft, or disclosure as a result of the business violation of the duty to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information to protect the personal information may institute a civil action for any of the following:
(A)To recover damages in an amount not less than one hundred dollars ($100) and not greater than seven hundred and fifty ($750) per consumer per incident or actual damages, whichever is greater.
(B)Injunctive or declaratory relief.
(C)Any other relief the court deems proper.
(2)In assessing the amount of statutory damages, the court shall consider any one or more of the relevant circumstances presented by any of the parties to the case, including, but not limited to, the nature and seriousness of the misconduct, the number of violations, the persistence of the misconduct, the length of time over which the misconduct occurred, the willfulness of the defendants misconduct, and the defendants assets, liabilities, and net worth.
(b)Actions pursuant to this section may be brought by a consumer if all of the following requirements are met:
(1)Prior to initiating any action against a business for statutory damages on an individual or class-wide basis, a consumer shall provide a business 30 days written notice identifying the specific provisions of this title the consumer alleges have been or are being violated. In the event a cure is possible, if within the 30 days the business actually cures the noticed violation and provides the consumer an express written statement that the violations have been cured and that no further violations shall occur, no action for individual statutory damages or class-wide statutory damages may be initiated against the business. No notice shall be required prior to an individual consumer initiating an action solely for actual pecuniary damages suffered as a result of the alleged violations of this title. If a business continues to violate this title in breach of the express written statement provided to the consumer under this section, the consumer may initiate an action against the business to enforce the written statement and may pursue statutory damages for each breach of the express written statement, as well as any other violation of the title that postdates the written statement.
(2)A consumer bringing an action as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) shall notify the Attorney General within 30 days that the action has been filed.
(3)The Attorney General, upon receiving such notice shall, within 30 days, do one of the following:
(A)Notify the consumer bringing the action of the Attorney Generals intent to prosecute an action against the violation. If the Attorney General does not prosecute within six months, the consumer may proceed with the action.
(B)Refrain from acting within the 30 days, allowing the consumer bringing the action to proceed.
(C)Notify the consumer bringing the action that the consumer shall not proceed with the action.
(c)Nothing in this act shall be interpreted to serve as the basis for a private right of action under any other law. This shall not be construed to relieve any party from any duties or obligations imposed under other law or the United States or California Constitution.
1798.155.Any business or third party may seek the opinion of the Attorney General for guidance on how to comply with the provisions of this title.
(a)A business shall be in violation of this title if it fails to cure any alleged violation within 30 days after being notified of alleged noncompliance. Any business, service provider, or other person that violates this title shall be liable for a civil penalty as provided in Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General. The civil penalties provided for in this section shall be exclusively assessed and recovered in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General.
(b)Notwithstanding Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code, any person, business, or service provider that intentionally violates this title may be liable for a civil penalty of up to seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) for each violation.
(c)Notwithstanding Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code, any civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 17206 for a violation of this title, and the proceeds of any settlement of an action brought pursuant to subdivision (a), shall be allocated as follows:
(1)Twenty percent to the Consumer Privacy Fund, created within the General Fund pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1798.109, with the intent to fully offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title.
(2)Eighty percent to the jurisdiction on whose behalf the action leading to the civil penalty was brought.
(d)It is the intent of the Legislature that the percentages specified in subdivision (c) be adjusted as necessary to ensure that any civil penalties assessed for a violation of this title fully offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title, including a sufficient amount to cover any deficit from a prior fiscal year.
1798.160.(a)A special fund to be known as the Consumer Privacy Fund is hereby created within the General Fund in the State Treasury, and is available upon appropriation by the Legislature to offset any costs incurred by the state courts in connection with actions brought to enforce this title and any costs incurred by the Attorney General in carrying out the Attorney Generals duties under this title.
(b)Funds transferred to the Consumer Privacy Fund shall be used exclusively to offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title. These funds shall not be subject to appropriation or transfer by the Legislature for any other purpose, unless the Director of Finance determines that the funds are in excess of the funding needed to fully offset the costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title, in which case the Legislature may appropriate excess funds for other purposes.
1798.175.This title is intended to further the constitutional right of privacy and to supplement existing laws relating to consumers personal information, including, but not limited to, Chapter 22 (commencing with Section 22575) of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code and Title 1.81 (commencing with Section 1798.80). The provisions of this title are not limited to information collected electronically or over the Internet, but apply to the collection and sale of all personal information collected by a business from consumers. Wherever possible, law relating to consumers personal information should be construed to harmonize with the provisions of this title, but in the event of a conflict between other laws and the provisions of this title, the provisions of the law that afford the greatest protection for the right of privacy for consumers shall control.
1798.180.This title is a matter of statewide concern and supersedes and preempts all rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, and other laws adopted by a city, county, city and county, municipality, or local agency regarding the collection and sale of consumers personal information by a business.
1798.185.(a)On or before January 1, 2020, the Attorney General shall solicit broad public participation to adopt regulations to further the purposes of this title, including, but not limited to, the following areas:
(1)Updating as needed additional categories of personal information to those enumerated in subdivision (c) of Section 1798.130 and subdivision (o) of Section 1798.140 in order to address changes in technology, data collection practices, obstacles to implementation, and privacy concerns.
(2)Updating as needed the definition of unique identifiers to address changes in technology, data collection, obstacles to implementation, and privacy concerns, and additional categories to the definition of designated methods for submitting requests to facilitate a consumers ability to obtain information from a business pursuant to Section 1798.130.
(3)Establishing any exceptions necessary to comply with state or federal law, including, but not limited to, those relating to trade secrets and intellectual property rights, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter.
(4)Establishing rules and procedures for the following, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter:
(A)To facilitate and govern the submission of a request by a consumer to opt out of the sale of personal information pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.145.
(B)To govern business compliance with a consumers opt-out request.
(C)The development and use of a recognizable and uniform opt-out logo or button by all businesses to promote consumer awareness of the opportunity to opt out of the sale of personal information.
(5)Adjusting the monetary threshold in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 1798.106 in January of every odd-numbered year to reflect any increase in the Consumer Price Index.
(6)Establishing rules, procedures, and any exceptions necessary to ensure that the notices and information that businesses are required to provide pursuant to this title are provided in a manner that may be easily understood by the average consumer, are accessible to consumers with disabilities, and are available in the language primarily used to interact with the consumer, including establishing rules and guidelines regarding financial incentive offerings, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter.
(7)Establishing rules and procedures to further the purposes of Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 and to facilitate a consumers or the consumers authorized agents ability to obtain information pursuant to Section 1798.130, with the goal of minimizing the administrative burden on consumers, taking into account available technology, security concerns, and the burden on the business, to govern a business determination that a request for information received by a consumer is a verifiable request, including treating a request submitted through a password-protected account maintained by the consumer with the business while the consumer is logged into the account as a verifiable request and providing a mechanism for a consumer who does not maintain an account with the business to request information through the business authentication of the consumers identity, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter.
(b)The Attorney General may adopt additional regulations as necessary to further the purposes of this title.
1798.190.If a series of steps or transactions were component parts of a single transaction intended from the beginning to be taken with the intention of avoiding the reach of this title, including the disclosure of information by a business to a third party in order to avoid the definition of sell, a court shall disregard the intermediate steps or transactions for purposes of effectuating the purposes of this title.
1798.192.Any provision of a contract or agreement of any kind that purports to waive or limit in any way a consumers rights under this title, including, but not limited to, any right to a remedy or means of enforcement, shall be deemed contrary to public policy and shall be void and unenforceable. This section shall not prevent a consumer from declining to request information from a business, declining to opt out of a business sale of the consumers personal information, or authorizing a business to sell the consumers personal information after previously opting out.
1798.194.This title shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.
1798.196.This title is intended to supplement federal and state law, if permissible, but shall not apply if such application is preempted by, or in conflict with, federal law or the California Constitution.
1798.198.(a)Subject to limitation provided in subdivision (b), this title shall be operative January 1, 2020.
(b)This act shall become operative only if initiative measure No. 17-0039, The Consumer Right to Privacy Act of 2018, is withdrawn from the ballot pursuant to Section 9604 of the Elections Code.
SEC. 4.(a)The provisions of this bill are severable. If any provision of this bill or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
This measure shall be known and may be cited as The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018.
SEC. 2.The Legislature finds and declares that:
(a)In 1972, California voters amended the California Constitution to include the right of privacy among the inalienable rights of all people. The amendment established a legal and enforceable right of privacy for every Californian. Fundamental to this right of privacy is the ability of individuals to control the use, including the sale, of their personal information.
(b)Since California voters approved the right of privacy, the California Legislature has adopted specific mechanisms to safeguard Californians privacy, including the Online Privacy Protection Act, the Privacy Rights for California Minors in the Digital World Act, and Shine the Light, a California law intended to give Californians the who, what, where, and when of how businesses handle consumers' personal information.
(c)At the same time, California is one of the worlds leaders in the development of new technologies and related industries. Yet the proliferation of personal information has limited Californians ability to properly protect and safeguard their privacy. It is almost impossible to apply for a job, raise a child, drive a car, or make an appointment without sharing personal information.
(d)As the role of technology and data in the every daily lives of consumers increases, there is an increase in the amount of personal information shared by consumers with businesses. California law has not kept pace with these developments and the personal privacy implications surrounding the collection, use, and protection of personal information.
(e)Many businesses collect personal information from California consumers. They may know where a consumer lives and how many children a consumer has, how fast a consumer drives, a consumers personality, sleep habits, biometric and health information, financial information, precise geolocation information, and social networks, to name a few categories.
(f)The unauthorized disclosure of personal information and the loss of privacy can have devastating effects for individuals, ranging from financial fraud, identity theft, and unnecessary costs to personal time and finances, to destruction of property, harassment, reputational damage, emotional stress, and even potential physical harm.
(g)In March 2018, it came to light that tens of millions of people had their personal data misused by a data mining firm called Cambridge Analytica. A series of congressional hearings highlighted that our personal information may be vulnerable to misuse when shared on the Internet. As a result, our desire for privacy controls and transparency in data practices is heightened.
(h)People desire privacy and more control over their information. California consumers should be able to exercise control over their personal information, and they want to be certain that there are safeguards against misuse of their personal information. It is possible for businesses both to respect consumers privacy and provide a high level transparency to their business practices.
(i)Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature to further Californians right to privacy by giving consumers an effective way to control their personal information, by ensuring the following rights:
(1)The right of Californians to know what personal information is being collected about them.
(2)The right of Californians to know whether their personal information is sold or disclosed and to whom.
(3)The right of Californians to say no to the sale of personal information.
(4)The right of Californians to access their personal information.
(5)The right of Californians to equal service and price, even if they exercise their privacy rights.
SEC. 3.Title 1.81.5 (commencing with Section 1798.100) is added to Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, to read:1.81.5.California Consumer Privacy Act of 20181798.100.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business that collects a consumers personal information disclose to that consumer the categories and specific pieces of personal information the business has collected.
(b)A business that collects a consumers personal information shall, at or before the point of collection, inform consumers as to the categories of personal information to be collected and the purposes for which the categories of personal information shall be used. A business shall not collect additional categories of personal information or use personal information collected for additional purposes without providing the consumer with notice consistent with this section.
(c)A business shall provide the information specified in subdivision (a) to a consumer only upon receipt of a verifiable consumer request.
(d)A business that receives a verifiable consumer request from a consumer to access personal information shall promptly take steps to disclose and deliver, free of charge to the consumer, the personal information required by this section. The information may be delivered by mail or electronically, and if provided electronically, the information shall be in a portable and, to the extent technically feasible, in a readily useable format that allows the consumer to transmit this information to another entity without hindrance. A business may provide personal information to a consumer at any time, but shall not be required to provide personal information to a consumer more than twice in a 12-month period.
(e)This section shall not require a business to retain any personal information collected for a single, one-time transaction, if such information is not sold or retained by the business or to reidentify or otherwise link information that is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
(1)Retain any personal information collected for a single, one-time transaction, if the information is not sold or retained by the business.
(2)Reidentify or otherwise link any data that, in the ordinary course of business, is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
1798.105.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business delete any personal information about the consumer which the business has collected from the consumer.
(b)A business that collects personal information about consumers shall disclose, pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of section 1798.130, the consumers rights to request the deletion of the consumers personal information.
(c)A business that receives a verifiable request from a consumer to delete the consumers personal information pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section shall delete the consumers personal information from its records and direct any service providers to delete the consumers personal information from their records.
(d)A business or a service provider shall not be required to comply with a consumers request to delete the consumers personal information if it is necessary for the business or service provider to maintain the consumers personal information in order to:
(1)Complete the transaction for which the personal information was collected, provide a good or service requested by the consumer, or reasonably anticipated within the context of a businesss ongoing business relationship with the consumer, or otherwise perform a contract between the business and the consumer.
(2)Detect security incidents, protect against malicious, deceptive, fraudulent, or illegal activity; or prosecute those responsible for that activity.
(3)Debug to identify and repair errors that impair existing intended functionality.
(4)Exercise free speech, ensure the right of another consumer to exercise his or her right of free speech, or exercise another right provided for by law.
(5)Comply with the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act pursuant to Chapter 3.6 (commencing with Section 1546) of Title 12 of Part 2 of the Penal Code.
(6)Engage in public or peer-reviewed scientific, historical, or statistical research in the public interest that adheres to all other applicable ethics and privacy laws, when the businesses deletion of the information is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of such research, if the consumer has provided informed consent.
(7)To enable solely internal uses that are reasonably aligned with the expectations of the consumer based on the consumers relationship with the business.
(8)Comply with a legal obligation.
(9)Otherwise use the consumers personal information, internally, in a lawful manner that is compatible with the context in which the consumer provided the information.
1798.110.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business that collects personal information about the consumer disclose to the consumer the following:
(1)The categories of personal information it has collected about that consumer.
(2)The categories of sources from which the personal information is collected.
(3)The business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling personal information.
(4)The categories of third parties with whom the business shares personal information.
(5)The specific pieces of personal information it has collected about that consumer.
(b)A business that collects personal information about a consumer shall disclose to the consumer, pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130, the information specified in subdivision (a) upon receipt of a verifiable request from the consumer.
(c)A business that collects personal information about consumers shall disclose, pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130:
(1)The categories of personal information it has collected about that consumer.
(2)The categories of sources from which the personal information is collected.
(3)The business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling personal information.
(4)The categories of third parties with whom the business shares personal information.
(5)The specific pieces of personal information the business has collected about that consumer.
(d)This section does not require a business to do the following:
(1)Retain any personal information about a consumer collected for a single one-time transaction if, in the ordinary course of business, that information about the consumer is not retained.
(2)Reidentify or otherwise link any data that, in the ordinary course of business, is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
1798.115.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business that sells the consumers personal information, or that discloses it for a business purpose, disclose to that consumer:
(1)The categories of personal information that the business collected about the consumer.
(2)The categories of personal information that the business sold about the consumer and the categories of third parties to whom the personal information was sold, by category or categories of personal information for each third party to whom the personal information was sold.
(3)The categories of personal information that the business disclosed about the consumer for a business purpose.
(b)A business that sells personal information about a consumer, or that discloses a consumers personal information for a business purpose, shall disclose, pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130, the information specified in subdivision (a) to the consumer upon receipt of a verifiable request from the consumer.
(c)A business that sells consumers personal information, or that discloses consumers personal information for a business purpose, shall disclose, pursuant to subparagraph (C) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130:
(1)The category or categories of consumers personal information it has sold, or if the business has not sold consumers personal information, it shall disclose that fact.
(2)The category or categories of consumers personal information it has disclosed for a business purpose, or if the business has not disclosed the consumers personal information for a business purpose, it shall disclose that fact.
(d)A third party shall not sell personal information about a consumer that has been sold to the third party by a business unless the consumer has received explicit notice and is provided an opportunity to exercise the right to opt out pursuant to 1798.120.
1798.120.(a)A consumer shall have the right, at any time, to direct a business that sells personal information about the consumer to third parties not to sell the consumers personal information. This right may be referred to as the right to opt out.
(b)A business that sells consumers personal information to third parties shall provide notice to consumers, pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1798.135, that this information may be sold and that consumers have the right to opt out of the sale of their personal information.
(c)A business that has received direction from a consumer not to sell the consumers personal information or, in the case of a minor consumers personal information has not received consent to sell the minor consumers personal information shall be prohibited, pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.135, from selling the consumers personal information after its receipt of the consumers direction, unless the consumer subsequently provides express authorization for the sale of the consumers personal information.
(d)Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a business shall not sell the personal information of consumers if the business has actual knowledge that the consumer is less than 16 years of age, unless the consumer, in the case of consumers between 13 and 16 years of age, or the consumers parent or guardian, in the case of consumers who are less than 13 years of age, has affirmatively authorized the sale of the consumers personal information. A business that willfully disregards the consumers age shall be deemed to have had actual knowledge of the consumers age. This right may be referred to as the right to opt in.
1798.125.(a)(1)A business shall not discriminate against a consumer because the consumer exercised any of the consumers rights under this title, including, but not limited to, by:
(A)Denying goods or services to the consumer.
(B)Charging different prices or rates for goods or services, including through the use of discounts or other benefits or imposing penalties.
(C)Providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if the consumer exercises the consumers rights under this title.
(D)Suggesting that the consumer will receive a different price or rate for goods or services or a different level or quality of goods or services.
(2)Nothing in this subdivision prohibits a business from charging a consumer a different price or rate, or from providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if that difference is reasonably related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumers data.
(b)(1)A business may offer financial incentives, including payments to consumers as compensation, for the collection of personal information, the sale of personal information, or the deletion of personal information. A business may also offer a different price, rate, level, or quality of goods or services to the consumer if that price or difference is directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumers data.
(2)A business that offers any financial incentives pursuant to subdivision (a), shall notify consumers of the financial incentives pursuant to Section 1798.135.
(3)A business may enter a consumer into a financial incentive program only if the consumer gives the business prior opt-in consent pursuant to Section 1798.135 which clearly describes the material terms of the financial incentive program, and which may be revoked by the consumer at any time.
(4)A business shall not use financial incentive practices that are unjust, unreasonable, coercive, or usurious in nature.
1798.130.(a)In order to comply with Sections 1798.100, 1798.105, 1798.110, 1798.115, and 1798.125, in a form that is reasonably accessible to consumers, a business shall:
(1)Make available to consumers two or more designated methods for submitting requests for information required to be disclosed pursuant to Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115, including, at a minimum, a toll-free telephone number, and if the business maintains an Internet Web site, a Web site address.
(2)Disclose and deliver the required information to a consumer free of charge within 45 days of receiving a verifiable request from the consumer. The business shall promptly take steps to determine whether the request is a verifiable request, but this shall not extend the businesss duty to disclose and deliver the information within 45 days of receipt of the consumers request. The time period to provide the required information may be extended once by an additional 45 days when reasonably necessary, provided the consumer is provided notice of the extension within the first 45-day period. The disclosure shall cover the 12-month period preceding the businesss receipt of the verifiable request and shall be made in writing and delivered through the consumers account with the business, if the consumer maintains an account with the business, or by mail or electronically at the consumers option if the consumer does not maintain an account with the business, in a readily useable format that allows the consumer to transmit this information from one entity to another entity without hindrance. The business shall not require the consumer to create an account with the business in order to make a verifiable request.
(3)For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 1798.110:
(A)To identify the consumer, associate the information provided by the consumer in the verifiable request to any personal information previously collected by the business about the consumer.
(B)Identify by category or categories the personal information collected about the consumer in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information collected.
(4)For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 1798.115:
(A)Identify the consumer and associate the information provided by the consumer in the verifiable request to any personal information previously collected by the business about the consumer.
(B)Identify by category or categories the personal information of the consumer that the business sold in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information, and provide accurate names and contact information for the the categories of third parties to whom the consumers personal information was sold in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information sold for each third party. sold. The business shall disclose the information in a list that is separate from a list generated for the purposes of subparagraph (C).
(C)Identify by category or categories the personal information of the consumer that the business disclosed for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information, and provide accurate names and contact information for the persons the categories of third parties to whom the consumers personal information was disclosed for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information disclosed for each person. disclosed. The business shall disclose the information in a list that is separate from a list generated for the purposes of subparagraph (B).
(5)Disclose the following information in its online privacy policy or policies if the business has an online privacy policy or policies and in any California-specific description of consumers privacy rights, or if the business does not maintain those policies, on its Internet Web site, and update that information at least once every 12 months:
(A)A description of a consumers rights pursuant to Sections 1798.110, 1798.115, and 1798.125 and one or more designated methods for submitting requests.
(B)For purposes of subdivision (c) of Section 1798.110, a list of the categories of personal information it has collected about consumers in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describe the personal information collected.
(C)For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 1798.115, two separate lists:
(i)A list of the categories of personal information it has sold about consumers in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describe the personal information sold, or if the business has not sold consumers personal information in the preceding 12 months, the business shall disclose that fact.
(ii)A list of the categories of personal information it has disclosed about consumers for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category in subdivision (c) that most closely describe the personal information disclosed, or if the business has not disclosed consumers personal information for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months, the business shall disclose that fact.
(6)Ensure that all individuals responsible for handling consumer inquiries about the businesss privacy practices or the businesss compliance with this title are informed of all requirements in Sections 1798.110, 1798.115, 1798.125, and this section, and how to direct consumers to exercise their rights under those sections.
(7)Use any personal information collected from the consumer in connection with the businesss verification of the consumers request solely for the purposes of verification.
(b)A business is not obligated to provide the information required by Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 to the same consumer more than twice in a 12-month period.
(c)The categories of personal information required to be disclosed pursuant to Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 shall follow the definition of personal information in Section 1798.140.
1798.135.(a)A business that is required to comply with Section 1798.120 shall, in a form that is reasonably accessible to consumers:
(1)Provide a clear and conspicuous link on the business Internet homepage, titled Do Not Sell My Personal Information, to an Internet Web page that enables a consumer, or a person authorized by the consumer, to opt out of the sale of the consumers personal information. A business shall not require a consumer to create an account in order to direct the business not to sell the consumers personal information.
(2)Include a description of a consumers rights pursuant to Section 1798.120, along with a separate link to the Do Not Sell My Personal Information Internet Web page in:
(A)Its online privacy policy or policies if the business has an online privacy policy or policies.
(B)Any California-specific description of consumers privacy rights.
(3)Ensure that all individuals responsible for handling consumer inquiries about the businesss privacy practices or the businesss compliance with this title are informed of all requirements in Section 1798.120 and this section and how to direct consumers to exercise their rights under those sections.
(4)For consumers who exercise their right to opt out of the sale of their personal information, refrain from selling personal information collected by the business about the consumer.
(5)For a consumer who has opted out of the sale of the consumers personal information, respect the consumers decision to opt out for at least 12 months before requesting that the consumer authorize the sale of the consumers personal information.
(6)Use any personal information collected from the consumer in connection with the submission of the consumers opt-out request solely for the purposes of complying with the opt-out request.
(b)Nothing in this title shall be construed to require a business to comply with the title by including the required links and text on the homepage that the business makes available to the public generally, if the business maintains a separate and additional homepage that is dedicated to California consumers and that includes the required links and text, and the business takes reasonable steps to ensure that California consumers are directed to the homepage for California consumers and not the homepage made available to the public generally.
(c)A consumer may authorize another person solely to opt out of the sale of the consumers personal information on the consumers behalf, and a business shall comply with an opt out request received from a person authorized by the consumer to act on the consumers behalf, pursuant to regulations adopted by the Attorney General.
1798.140.For purposes of this title:
(a)Aggregate consumer information means information that relates to a group or category of consumers, from which individual consumer identities have been removed, that is not linked or reasonably linkable to any consumer or household, including via a device. Aggregate consumer information does not mean one or more individual consumer records that have been deidentified.
(b)Biometric information means an individuals physiological, biological or behavioral characteristics, including an individuals deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), that can be used, singly or in combination with each other or with other identifying data, to establish individual identity. Biometric information includes, but is not limited to, imagery of the iris, retina, fingerprint, face, hand, palm, vein patterns, and voice recordings, from which an identifier template, such as a faceprint, a minutiae template, or a voiceprint, can be extracted, and keystroke patterns or rhythms, gait patterns or rhythms, and sleep, health, or exercise data that contain identifying information.
(c)Business means:
(1)A sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, association, or other legal entity that is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of its shareholders or other owners, that collects consumers personal information, or on the behalf of which such information is collected and that alone, or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of consumers personal information, that does business in the State of California, and that satisfies one or more of the following thresholds:
(A)Has annual gross revenues in excess of twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000), as adjusted pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.185.
(B)Alone or in combination, annually buys, receives for the business' commercial purposes, sells, or shares for commercial purposes, alone or in combination, the personal information of 50,000 or more consumers, households, or devices.
(C)Derives 50 percent or more of its annual revenues from selling consumers personal information.
(2)Any entity that controls or is controlled by a business, as defined in paragraph (1), and that shares common branding with the business. Control or controlled means ownership of, or the power to vote, more than 50 percent of the outstanding shares of any class of voting security of a business; control in any manner over the election of a majority of the directors, or of individuals exercising similar functions; or the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management of a company. Common branding means a shared name, servicemark, or trademark.
(d)Business purpose means the use of personal information for the business or a service providers operational purposes, or other notified purposes, provided that the use of personal information shall be reasonably necessary and proportionate to achieve the operational purpose for which the personal information was collected or processed or for another operational purpose that is compatible with the context in which the personal information was collected. Business purposes are:
(1)Auditing related to a current interaction with the consumer and concurrent transactions, including, but not limited to, counting ad impressions to unique visitors, verifying positioning and quality of ad impressions, and auditing compliance with this specification and other standards.
(2)Detecting security incidents, protecting against malicious, deceptive, fraudulent, or illegal activity, and prosecuting those responsible for that activity.
(3)Debugging to identify and repair errors that impair existing intended functionality.
(4)Short-term, transient use, provided the personal information that is not disclosed to another third party and is not used to build a profile about a consumer or otherwise alter an individual consumers experience outside the current interaction, including, but not limited to, the contextual customization of ads shown as part of the same interaction.
(5)Performing services on behalf of the business or service provider, including maintaining or servicing accounts, providing customer service, processing or fulfilling orders and transactions, verifying customer information, processing payments, providing financing, providing advertising or marketing services, providing analytic services, or providing similar services on behalf of the business or service provider.
(6)Undertaking internal research for technological development and demonstration.
(7)Undertaking activities to verify or maintain the quality or safety of a service or device that is owned, manufactured, manufactured for, or controlled by the business, and to improve, upgrade, or enhance the service or device that is owned, manufactured, manufactured for, or controlled by the business.
(e)Collects, collected, or collection means buying, renting, gathering, obtaining, receiving, or accessing any personal information pertaining to a consumer by any means. This includes receiving information from the consumer, either actively or passively, or by observing the consumers behavior.
(f)Commercial purposes means to advance a persons commercial or economic interests, such as by inducing another person to buy, rent, lease, join, subscribe to, provide, or exchange products, goods, property, information, or services, or enabling or effecting, directly or indirectly, a commercial transaction. Commercial purposes do not include for the purpose of engaging in speech that state or federal courts have recognized as noncommercial speech, including political speech and journalism.
(g)Consumer means a natural person who is a California resident, as defined in Section 17014 of Title 18 of the California Code of Regulations, as that section read on September 1, 2017, however identified, including by any unique identifier.
(h)Deidentified means information that cannot reasonably identify, relate to, describe, be capable of being associated with, or be linked, directly or indirectly, to a particular consumer, provided that a business that uses deidentified information:
(1)Has implemented technical safeguards that prohibit reidentification of the consumer to whom the information may pertain.
(2)Has implemented business processes that specifically prohibit reidentification of the information.
(3)Has implemented business processes to prevent inadvertent release of deidentified information.
(4)Makes no attempt to reidentify the information.
(i)Designated methods for submitting requests means a mailing address, email address, Internet Web page, Internet Web portal, toll-free telephone number, or other applicable contact information, whereby consumers may submit a request or direction under this title, and any new, consumer-friendly means of contacting a business, as approved by the Attorney General pursuant to Section 1798.185.
(j)Device means any physical object that is capable of connecting to the Internet, directly or indirectly, or to another device.
(k)Health insurance information means a consumers insurance policy number or subscriber identification number, any unique identifier used by a health insurer to identify the consumer, or any information in the consumers application and claims history, including any appeals records, if the information is linked or reasonably linkable to a consumer or household, including via a device, by a business or service provider.
(l)Homepage means the introductory page of an Internet Web site and any Internet Web page where personal information is collected. In the case of an online service, such as a mobile application, homepage means the applications platform page or download page, a link within the application, such as from the application configuration, About, Information, or settings page, and any other location that allows consumers to review the notice required by subdivision (a) of Section 1798.145, including, but not limited to, before downloading the application.
(m)Infer or inference means the derivation of information, data, assumptions, or conclusions from facts, evidence, or another source of information or data.
(n)Person means an individual, proprietorship, firm, partnership, joint venture, syndicate, business trust, company, corporation, limited liability company, association, committee, and any other organization or group of persons acting in concert.
(o)(1)Personal information means 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. Personal information includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(A)Identifiers such as a real name, alias, postal address, unique personal identifier, online identifier Internet Protocol address, email address, account name, social security number, drivers license number, passport number, or other similar identifiers.
(B)Any categories of personal information described in subdivision (e) of Section 1798.80.
(C)Characteristics of protected classifications under California or federal law.
(D)Commercial information, including records of personal property, products or services purchased, obtained, or considered, or other purchasing or consuming histories or tendencies.
(E)Biometric information.
(F)Internet or other electronic network activity information, including, but not limited to, browsing history, search history, and information regarding a consumers interaction with an Internet Web site, application, or advertisement.
(G)Geolocation data.
(H)Audio, electronic, visual, thermal, olfactory, or similar information.
(I)Professional or employment-related information.
(J)Education information, defined as information that is not publicly available personally identifiable information as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. section 1232g, 34 C.F.R. Part 99).
(K)Inferences drawn from any of the information identified in this subdivision to create a profile about a consumer reflecting the consumers preferences, characteristics, psychological trends, preferences, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes.
(2)Personal information does not include publicly available information. For these purposes, publicly available means information that is lawfully made available from federal, state, or local government records, if any conditions associated with such information. Publicly available does not mean biometric information collected by a business about a consumer without the consumers knowledge. Information is not publicly available if that data is used for a purpose that is not compatible with the purpose for which the data is maintained and made available in the government records or for which it is publicly maintained. Publicly available does not include consumer information that is deidentified or aggregate consumer information.
(p)Probabilistic identifier means the identification of a consumer or a device to a degree of certainty of more probable than not based on any categories of personal information included in, or similar to, the categories enumerated in the definition of personal information.
(q)Processing means any operation or set of operations that are performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means.
(r)Pseudonymize or Pseudonymization means the processing of personal information in a manner that renders the personal information no longer attributable to a specific consumer without the use of additional information, provided that the additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organizational measures to ensure that the personal information is not attributed to an identified or identifiable consumer.
(s)Research means scientific, systematic study and observation, including basic research or applied research that is in the public interest and that adheres to all other applicable ethics and privacy laws or studies conducted in the public interest in the area of public health. Research with personal information that may have been collected from a consumer in the course of the consumers interactions with a business service or device for other purposes shall be:
(1)Compatible with the business purpose for which the personal information was collected.
(2)Subsequently pseudonymized and deidentified, or deidentified and in the aggregate, such that the information cannot reasonably identify, relate to, describe, be capable of being associated with, or be linked, directly or indirectly, to a particular consumer.
(3)Made subject to technical safeguards that prohibit reidentification of the consumer to whom the information may pertain.
(4)Subject to business processes that specifically prohibit reidentification of the information.
(5)Made subject to business processes to prevent inadvertent release of deidentified information.
(6)Protected from any reidentification attempts.
(7)Used solely for research purposes that are compatible with the context in which the personal information was collected.
(8)Not be used for any commercial purpose.
(9)Subjected by the business conducting the research to additional security controls limit access to the research data to only those individuals in a business as are necessary to carry out the research purpose.
(t)(1)Sell, selling, sale, or sold, means selling, renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, transferring, or otherwise communicating orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumers personal information by the business to another business or a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration.
(2)For purposes of this title, a business does not sell personal information when:
(A)A consumer uses or directs the business to intentionally disclose personal information or uses the business to intentionally interact with a third party, provided the third party does not also sell the personal information, unless that disclosure would be consistent with the provisions of this title. An intentional interaction occurs when the consumer intends to interact with the third party, via one or more deliberate interactions. Hovering over, muting, pausing, or closing a given piece of content does not constitute a consumers intent to interact with a third party.
(B)The business uses or shares an identifier for a consumer who has opted out of the sale of the consumers personal information for the purposes of alerting third parties that the consumer has opted out of the sale of the consumers personal information.
(C)The business uses or shares with a service provider personal information of a consumer that is necessary to perform a business purposes if both of the following conditions are met: services that the service provider performs on the business behalf, provided that the service provider also does not sell the personal information.
(i)The business has provided notice that information being used or shared in its terms and conditions consistent with Section 1798.135.
(ii)The service provider does not further collect, sell, or use the personal information of the consumer except as necessary to perform the business purpose.
(D)The business transfers to a third party the personal information of a consumer as an asset that is part of a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or other transaction in which the third party assumes control of all or part of the business provided that information is used or shared consistently with Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115. If a third party materially alters how it uses or shares the personal information of a consumer in a manner that is materially inconsistent with the promises made at the time of collection, it shall provide prior notice of the new or changed practice to the consumer. The notice shall be sufficiently prominent and robust to ensure that existing consumers can easily exercise their choices consistently with Section 1798.120. This subparagraph does not authorize a business to make material, retroactive privacy policy changes or make other changes in their privacy policy in a manner that would violate the Unfair and Deceptive Practices Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 17200) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code).
(u)Service or services means work, labor, and services, including services furnished in connection with the sale or repair of goods.
(v)Service provider means a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, association, or other legal entity that is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of its shareholders or other owners, that processes information on behalf of a business and to which the business discloses a consumers personal information for a business purpose pursuant to a written contract, provided that the contract prohibits the entity receiving the information from retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for any purpose other than for the specific purpose of performing the services specified in the contract for the business, or as otherwise permitted by this title, including retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for a commercial purpose other than providing the services specified in the contract with the business.
(w)Third party means a person who is not any of the following:
(1)The business that collects personal information from consumers under this title.
(2)A person to whom the business discloses a consumers personal information for a business purpose pursuant to a written contract, provided that the contract:
(A)Prohibits the person receiving the personal information from:
(i)Selling the personal information.
(ii)Retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for any purpose other than for the specific purpose of performing the services specified in the contract, including retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for a commercial purpose other than providing the services specified in the contract.
(iii)Retaining, using, or disclosing the information outside of the direct business relationship between the person and the business.
(B)Includes a certification made by the person receiving the personal information that the person understands the restrictions in subparagraph (A) and will comply with them.
A person covered by paragraph (2) that violates any of the restrictions set forth in this title shall be liable for the violations. A business that discloses personal information to a person covered by paragraph (2) in compliance with paragraph (2) shall not be liable under this title if the person receiving the personal information uses it in violation of the restrictions set forth in this title, provided that, at the time of disclosing the personal information, the business does not have actual knowledge, or reason to believe, that the person intends to commit such a violation.
(x)Unique identifier or Unique personal identifier means a persistent identifier that can be used to recognize a consumer, a family, or a device that is linked to a consumer or family, over time and across different services, including, but not limited to, a device identifier; an Internet Protocol address; cookies, beacons, pixel tags, mobile ad identifiers, or similar technology; customer number, unique pseudonym, or user alias; telephone numbers, or other forms of persistent or probabilistic identifiers that can be used to identify a particular consumer or device. For purposes of this subdivision, family means a custodial parent or guardian and any minor children over which the parent or guardian has custody.
(y)Verifiable consumer request means a request that is made by a consumer, by a consumer on behalf of the consumers minor child, or by a natural person or a person registered with the Secretary of State, authorized by the consumer to act on the consumers behalf, and that the business can reasonably verify, pursuant to regulations adopted by the Attorney General pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of section 1798.185 to be the consumer about whom the business has collected personal information. A business is not obligated to provide information to the consumer pursuant to Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 if the business cannot verify, pursuant this subdivision and regulations adopted by the Attorney General pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of section 1798.185, that the consumer making the request is the consumer about whom the business has collected information or is a person authorized by the consumer to act on such consumers behalf.
1798.145.(a)The obligations imposed on businesses by this title shall not restrict a businesss ability to:
(1)Comply with federal, state, or local laws.
(2)Comply with a civil, criminal, or regulatory inquiry, investigation, subpoena, or summons by federal, state, or local authorities.
(3)Cooperate with law enforcement agencies concerning conduct or activity that the business, service provider, or third party reasonably and in good faith believes may violate federal, state, or local law.
(4)Exercise or defend legal claims.
(5)Collect, use, retain, sell, or disclose consumer information that is deidentified or in the aggregate consumer information.
(6)Collect or sell a consumers personal information if every aspect of that commercial conduct takes place wholly outside of California. For purposes of this title, commercial conduct takes place wholly outside of California if the business collected that information while the consumer was outside of California, no part of the sale of the consumers personal information occurred in California, and no personal information collected while the consumer was in California is sold. This paragraph shall not permit a business from storing, including on a device, personal information about a consumer when the consumer is in California and then collecting that personal information when the consumer and stored personal information is outside of California.
(b)The obligations imposed on businesses by Sections 1798.110 to 1798.135, inclusive, shall not apply where compliance by the business with the title would violate an evidentiary privilege under California law and shall not prevent a business from providing the personal information of a consumer to a person covered by an evidentiary privilege under California law as part of a privileged communication.
(c)This act shall not apply to protected or health information that is collected by a covered entity governed by the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Part 2.6 (commencing with section 56 of Division 1)) or governed by the privacy, security, and breach notification rules issued by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Parts 160 and 164 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, established pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Availability Act of 1996. For purposes of this subdivision, the definition of medical information in Section 56.05 shall apply and the definitions of protected health information and covered entity from the federal privacy rule shall apply.
(d)This title shall not apply to the sale of personal information to or from a consumer reporting agency if that information is to be reported in, or used to generate, a consumer report as defined by subdivision (d) of Section 1681a of Title 15 of the United States Code, and use of that information is limited by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq.).
(e)This title shall not apply to personal information collected, processed, sold, or disclosed pursuant to the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (Public Law 106-102), and implementing regulations, if it is in conflict with that law.
(f)This title shall not apply to personal information collected, processed, sold, or disclosed pursuant to the Drivers Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. Sec. 2721 et seq.), if it is in conflict with that act.
(g)Notwithstanding a business obligations to respond to and honor consumer rights requests pursuant to this title:
(1)A time period for a business to respond to any verified consumer request may be extended by up to 90 additional days where necessary, taking into account the complexity and number of the requests. The business shall inform the consumer of any such extension within 45 days of receipt of the request, together with the reasons for the delay.
(2)If the business does not take action on the request of the consumer, the business shall inform the consumer, without delay and at the latest within the time period permitted of response by this section, of the reasons for not taking action and any rights the consumer may have to appeal the decision to the business.
(3)If requests from a consumer are manifestly unfounded or excessive, in particular because of their repetitive character, a business may either charge a reasonable fee, taking into account the administrative costs of providing the information or communication or taking the action requested, or refuse to act on the request and notify the consumer of the reason for refusing the request. The business shall bear the burden of demonstrating that any verified consumer request is manifestly unfounded or excessive.
(h)A business that discloses personal information to a service provider shall not be liable under this title if the service provider receiving the personal information uses it in violation of the restrictions set forth in the title, provided that, at the time of disclosing the personal information, the business does not have actual knowledge, or reason to believe, that the service provider intends to commit such a violation. A service provider shall likewise not be liable under this title for the obligations of a business for which it provides services as set forth in this title.
(i)This title shall not be construed to require a business to reidentify or otherwise link information that is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
(j)The rights afforded to consumers and the obligations imposed on the business in this title shall not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of other consumers.
1798.150.(a)(1)Any consumer of a business whose nonencrypted or nonredacted personal information information, as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 1798.81.5, is subject to a security breach of the business as described in Section 1798.82 an unauthorized access and exfiltration, theft, or disclosure as a result of the business violation of the duty to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information to protect the personal information may institute a civil action for any of the following:
(A)To recover damages in an amount not less than one hundred dollars ($100) and not greater than seven hundred and fifty ($750) per consumer per incident or actual damages, whichever is greater.
(B)Injunctive or declaratory relief.
(C)Any other relief the court deems proper.
(2)In assessing the amount of statutory damages, the court shall consider any one or more of the relevant circumstances presented by any of the parties to the case, including, but not limited to, the nature and seriousness of the misconduct, the number of violations, the persistence of the misconduct, the length of time over which the misconduct occurred, the willfulness of the defendants misconduct, and the defendants assets, liabilities, and net worth.
(b)Actions pursuant to this section may be brought by a consumer if all of the following requirements are met:
(1)Prior to initiating any action against a business for statutory damages on an individual or class-wide basis, a consumer shall provide a business 30 days written notice identifying the specific provisions of this title the consumer alleges have been or are being violated. In the event a cure is possible, if within the 30 days the business actually cures the noticed violation and provides the consumer an express written statement that the violations have been cured and that no further violations shall occur, no action for individual statutory damages or class-wide statutory damages may be initiated against the business. No notice shall be required prior to an individual consumer initiating an action solely for actual pecuniary damages suffered as a result of the alleged violations of this title. If a business continues to violate this title in breach of the express written statement provided to the consumer under this section, the consumer may initiate an action against the business to enforce the written statement and may pursue statutory damages for each breach of the express written statement, as well as any other violation of the title that postdates the written statement.
(2)A consumer bringing an action as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) shall notify the Attorney General within 30 days that the action has been filed.
(3)The Attorney General, upon receiving such notice shall, within 30 days, do one of the following:
(A)Notify the consumer bringing the action of the Attorney Generals intent to prosecute an action against the violation. If the Attorney General does not prosecute within six months, the consumer may proceed with the action.
(B)Refrain from acting within the 30 days, allowing the consumer bringing the action to proceed.
(C)Notify the consumer bringing the action that the consumer shall not proceed with the action.
(c)Nothing in this act shall be interpreted to serve as the basis for a private right of action under any other law. This shall not be construed to relieve any party from any duties or obligations imposed under other law or the United States or California Constitution.
1798.155.Any business or third party may seek the opinion of the Attorney General for guidance on how to comply with the provisions of this title.
(a)A business shall be in violation of this title if it fails to cure any alleged violation within 30 days after being notified of alleged noncompliance. Any business, service provider, or other person that violates this title shall be liable for a civil penalty as provided in Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General. The civil penalties provided for in this section shall be exclusively assessed and recovered in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General.
(b)Notwithstanding Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code, any person, business, or service provider that intentionally violates this title may be liable for a civil penalty of up to seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) for each violation.
(c)Notwithstanding Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code, any civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 17206 for a violation of this title, and the proceeds of any settlement of an action brought pursuant to subdivision (a), shall be allocated as follows:
(1)Twenty percent to the Consumer Privacy Fund, created within the General Fund pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1798.109, with the intent to fully offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title.
(2)Eighty percent to the jurisdiction on whose behalf the action leading to the civil penalty was brought.
(d)It is the intent of the Legislature that the percentages specified in subdivision (c) be adjusted as necessary to ensure that any civil penalties assessed for a violation of this title fully offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title, including a sufficient amount to cover any deficit from a prior fiscal year.
1798.160.(a)A special fund to be known as the Consumer Privacy Fund is hereby created within the General Fund in the State Treasury, and is available upon appropriation by the Legislature to offset any costs incurred by the state courts in connection with actions brought to enforce this title and any costs incurred by the Attorney General in carrying out the Attorney Generals duties under this title.
(b)Funds transferred to the Consumer Privacy Fund shall be used exclusively to offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title. These funds shall not be subject to appropriation or transfer by the Legislature for any other purpose, unless the Director of Finance determines that the funds are in excess of the funding needed to fully offset the costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title, in which case the Legislature may appropriate excess funds for other purposes.
1798.175.This title is intended to further the constitutional right of privacy and to supplement existing laws relating to consumers personal information, including, but not limited to, Chapter 22 (commencing with Section 22575) of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code and Title 1.81 (commencing with Section 1798.80). The provisions of this title are not limited to information collected electronically or over the Internet, but apply to the collection and sale of all personal information collected by a business from consumers. Wherever possible, law relating to consumers personal information should be construed to harmonize with the provisions of this title, but in the event of a conflict between other laws and the provisions of this title, the provisions of the law that afford the greatest protection for the right of privacy for consumers shall control.
1798.180.This title is a matter of statewide concern and supersedes and preempts all rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, and other laws adopted by a city, county, city and county, municipality, or local agency regarding the collection and sale of consumers personal information by a business.
1798.185.(a)On or before January 1, 2020, the Attorney General shall solicit broad public participation to adopt regulations to further the purposes of this title, including, but not limited to, the following areas:
(1)Updating as needed additional categories of personal information to those enumerated in subdivision (c) of Section 1798.130 and subdivision (o) of Section 1798.140 in order to address changes in technology, data collection practices, obstacles to implementation, and privacy concerns.
(2)Updating as needed the definition of unique identifiers to address changes in technology, data collection, obstacles to implementation, and privacy concerns, and additional categories to the definition of designated methods for submitting requests to facilitate a consumers ability to obtain information from a business pursuant to Section 1798.130.
(3)Establishing any exceptions necessary to comply with state or federal law, including, but not limited to, those relating to trade secrets and intellectual property rights, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter.
(4)Establishing rules and procedures for the following, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter:
(A)To facilitate and govern the submission of a request by a consumer to opt out of the sale of personal information pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.145.
(B)To govern business compliance with a consumers opt-out request.
(C)The development and use of a recognizable and uniform opt-out logo or button by all businesses to promote consumer awareness of the opportunity to opt out of the sale of personal information.
(5)Adjusting the monetary threshold in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 1798.106 in January of every odd-numbered year to reflect any increase in the Consumer Price Index.
(6)Establishing rules, procedures, and any exceptions necessary to ensure that the notices and information that businesses are required to provide pursuant to this title are provided in a manner that may be easily understood by the average consumer, are accessible to consumers with disabilities, and are available in the language primarily used to interact with the consumer, including establishing rules and guidelines regarding financial incentive offerings, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter.
(7)Establishing rules and procedures to further the purposes of Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 and to facilitate a consumers or the consumers authorized agents ability to obtain information pursuant to Section 1798.130, with the goal of minimizing the administrative burden on consumers, taking into account available technology, security concerns, and the burden on the business, to govern a business determination that a request for information received by a consumer is a verifiable request, including treating a request submitted through a password-protected account maintained by the consumer with the business while the consumer is logged into the account as a verifiable request and providing a mechanism for a consumer who does not maintain an account with the business to request information through the business authentication of the consumers identity, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter.
(b)The Attorney General may adopt additional regulations as necessary to further the purposes of this title.
1798.190.If a series of steps or transactions were component parts of a single transaction intended from the beginning to be taken with the intention of avoiding the reach of this title, including the disclosure of information by a business to a third party in order to avoid the definition of sell, a court shall disregard the intermediate steps or transactions for purposes of effectuating the purposes of this title.
1798.192.Any provision of a contract or agreement of any kind that purports to waive or limit in any way a consumers rights under this title, including, but not limited to, any right to a remedy or means of enforcement, shall be deemed contrary to public policy and shall be void and unenforceable. This section shall not prevent a consumer from declining to request information from a business, declining to opt out of a business sale of the consumers personal information, or authorizing a business to sell the consumers personal information after previously opting out.
1798.194.This title shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.
1798.196.This title is intended to supplement federal and state law, if permissible, but shall not apply if such application is preempted by, or in conflict with, federal law or the California Constitution.
1798.198.(a)Subject to limitation provided in subdivision (b), this title shall be operative January 1, 2020.
(b)This act shall become operative only if initiative measure No. 17-0039, The Consumer Right to Privacy Act of 2018, is withdrawn from the ballot pursuant to Section 9604 of the Elections Code.
SEC. 4.(a)The provisions of this bill are severable. If any provision of this bill or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
This measure shall be known and may be cited as The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018.
SEC. 2.The Legislature finds and declares that:
(a)In 1972, California voters amended the California Constitution to include the right of privacy among the inalienable rights of all people. The amendment established a legal and enforceable right of privacy for every Californian. Fundamental to this right of privacy is the ability of individuals to control the use, including the sale, of their personal information.
(b)Since California voters approved the right of privacy, the California Legislature has adopted specific mechanisms to safeguard Californians privacy, including the Online Privacy Protection Act, the Privacy Rights for California Minors in the Digital World Act, and Shine the Light, a California law intended to give Californians the who, what, where, and when of how businesses handle consumers' personal information.
(c)At the same time, California is one of the worlds leaders in the development of new technologies and related industries. Yet the proliferation of personal information has limited Californians ability to properly protect and safeguard their privacy. It is almost impossible to apply for a job, raise a child, drive a car, or make an appointment without sharing personal information.
(d)As the role of technology and data in the every daily lives of consumers increases, there is an increase in the amount of personal information shared by consumers with businesses. California law has not kept pace with these developments and the personal privacy implications surrounding the collection, use, and protection of personal information.
(e)Many businesses collect personal information from California consumers. They may know where a consumer lives and how many children a consumer has, how fast a consumer drives, a consumers personality, sleep habits, biometric and health information, financial information, precise geolocation information, and social networks, to name a few categories.
(f)The unauthorized disclosure of personal information and the loss of privacy can have devastating effects for individuals, ranging from financial fraud, identity theft, and unnecessary costs to personal time and finances, to destruction of property, harassment, reputational damage, emotional stress, and even potential physical harm.
(g)In March 2018, it came to light that tens of millions of people had their personal data misused by a data mining firm called Cambridge Analytica. A series of congressional hearings highlighted that our personal information may be vulnerable to misuse when shared on the Internet. As a result, our desire for privacy controls and transparency in data practices is heightened.
(h)People desire privacy and more control over their information. California consumers should be able to exercise control over their personal information, and they want to be certain that there are safeguards against misuse of their personal information. It is possible for businesses both to respect consumers privacy and provide a high level transparency to their business practices.
(i)Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature to further Californians right to privacy by giving consumers an effective way to control their personal information, by ensuring the following rights:
(1)The right of Californians to know what personal information is being collected about them.
(2)The right of Californians to know whether their personal information is sold or disclosed and to whom.
(3)The right of Californians to say no to the sale of personal information.
(4)The right of Californians to access their personal information.
(5)The right of Californians to equal service and price, even if they exercise their privacy rights.
SEC. 3.Title 1.81.5 (commencing with Section 1798.100) is added to Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, to read:1.81.5.California Consumer Privacy Act of 20181798.100.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business that collects a consumers personal information disclose to that consumer the categories and specific pieces of personal information the business has collected.
(b)A business that collects a consumers personal information shall, at or before the point of collection, inform consumers as to the categories of personal information to be collected and the purposes for which the categories of personal information shall be used. A business shall not collect additional categories of personal information or use personal information collected for additional purposes without providing the consumer with notice consistent with this section.
(c)A business shall provide the information specified in subdivision (a) to a consumer only upon receipt of a verifiable consumer request.
(d)A business that receives a verifiable consumer request from a consumer to access personal information shall promptly take steps to disclose and deliver, free of charge to the consumer, the personal information required by this section. The information may be delivered by mail or electronically, and if provided electronically, the information shall be in a portable and, to the extent technically feasible, in a readily useable format that allows the consumer to transmit this information to another entity without hindrance. A business may provide personal information to a consumer at any time, but shall not be required to provide personal information to a consumer more than twice in a 12-month period.
(e)This section shall not require a business to retain any personal information collected for a single, one-time transaction, if such information is not sold or retained by the business or to reidentify or otherwise link information that is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
(1)Retain any personal information collected for a single, one-time transaction, if the information is not sold or retained by the business.
(2)Reidentify or otherwise link any data that, in the ordinary course of business, is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
1798.105.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business delete any personal information about the consumer which the business has collected from the consumer.
(b)A business that collects personal information about consumers shall disclose, pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of section 1798.130, the consumers rights to request the deletion of the consumers personal information.
(c)A business that receives a verifiable request from a consumer to delete the consumers personal information pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section shall delete the consumers personal information from its records and direct any service providers to delete the consumers personal information from their records.
(d)A business or a service provider shall not be required to comply with a consumers request to delete the consumers personal information if it is necessary for the business or service provider to maintain the consumers personal information in order to:
(1)Complete the transaction for which the personal information was collected, provide a good or service requested by the consumer, or reasonably anticipated within the context of a businesss ongoing business relationship with the consumer, or otherwise perform a contract between the business and the consumer.
(2)Detect security incidents, protect against malicious, deceptive, fraudulent, or illegal activity; or prosecute those responsible for that activity.
(3)Debug to identify and repair errors that impair existing intended functionality.
(4)Exercise free speech, ensure the right of another consumer to exercise his or her right of free speech, or exercise another right provided for by law.
(5)Comply with the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act pursuant to Chapter 3.6 (commencing with Section 1546) of Title 12 of Part 2 of the Penal Code.
(6)Engage in public or peer-reviewed scientific, historical, or statistical research in the public interest that adheres to all other applicable ethics and privacy laws, when the businesses deletion of the information is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of such research, if the consumer has provided informed consent.
(7)To enable solely internal uses that are reasonably aligned with the expectations of the consumer based on the consumers relationship with the business.
(8)Comply with a legal obligation.
(9)Otherwise use the consumers personal information, internally, in a lawful manner that is compatible with the context in which the consumer provided the information.
1798.110.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business that collects personal information about the consumer disclose to the consumer the following:
(1)The categories of personal information it has collected about that consumer.
(2)The categories of sources from which the personal information is collected.
(3)The business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling personal information.
(4)The categories of third parties with whom the business shares personal information.
(5)The specific pieces of personal information it has collected about that consumer.
(b)A business that collects personal information about a consumer shall disclose to the consumer, pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130, the information specified in subdivision (a) upon receipt of a verifiable request from the consumer.
(c)A business that collects personal information about consumers shall disclose, pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130:
(1)The categories of personal information it has collected about that consumer.
(2)The categories of sources from which the personal information is collected.
(3)The business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling personal information.
(4)The categories of third parties with whom the business shares personal information.
(5)The specific pieces of personal information the business has collected about that consumer.
(d)This section does not require a business to do the following:
(1)Retain any personal information about a consumer collected for a single one-time transaction if, in the ordinary course of business, that information about the consumer is not retained.
(2)Reidentify or otherwise link any data that, in the ordinary course of business, is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
1798.115.(a)A consumer shall have the right to request that a business that sells the consumers personal information, or that discloses it for a business purpose, disclose to that consumer:
(1)The categories of personal information that the business collected about the consumer.
(2)The categories of personal information that the business sold about the consumer and the categories of third parties to whom the personal information was sold, by category or categories of personal information for each third party to whom the personal information was sold.
(3)The categories of personal information that the business disclosed about the consumer for a business purpose.
(b)A business that sells personal information about a consumer, or that discloses a consumers personal information for a business purpose, shall disclose, pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130, the information specified in subdivision (a) to the consumer upon receipt of a verifiable request from the consumer.
(c)A business that sells consumers personal information, or that discloses consumers personal information for a business purpose, shall disclose, pursuant to subparagraph (C) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.130:
(1)The category or categories of consumers personal information it has sold, or if the business has not sold consumers personal information, it shall disclose that fact.
(2)The category or categories of consumers personal information it has disclosed for a business purpose, or if the business has not disclosed the consumers personal information for a business purpose, it shall disclose that fact.
(d)A third party shall not sell personal information about a consumer that has been sold to the third party by a business unless the consumer has received explicit notice and is provided an opportunity to exercise the right to opt out pursuant to 1798.120.
1798.120.(a)A consumer shall have the right, at any time, to direct a business that sells personal information about the consumer to third parties not to sell the consumers personal information. This right may be referred to as the right to opt out.
(b)A business that sells consumers personal information to third parties shall provide notice to consumers, pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1798.135, that this information may be sold and that consumers have the right to opt out of the sale of their personal information.
(c)A business that has received direction from a consumer not to sell the consumers personal information or, in the case of a minor consumers personal information has not received consent to sell the minor consumers personal information shall be prohibited, pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.135, from selling the consumers personal information after its receipt of the consumers direction, unless the consumer subsequently provides express authorization for the sale of the consumers personal information.
(d)Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a business shall not sell the personal information of consumers if the business has actual knowledge that the consumer is less than 16 years of age, unless the consumer, in the case of consumers between 13 and 16 years of age, or the consumers parent or guardian, in the case of consumers who are less than 13 years of age, has affirmatively authorized the sale of the consumers personal information. A business that willfully disregards the consumers age shall be deemed to have had actual knowledge of the consumers age. This right may be referred to as the right to opt in.
1798.125.(a)(1)A business shall not discriminate against a consumer because the consumer exercised any of the consumers rights under this title, including, but not limited to, by:
(A)Denying goods or services to the consumer.
(B)Charging different prices or rates for goods or services, including through the use of discounts or other benefits or imposing penalties.
(C)Providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if the consumer exercises the consumers rights under this title.
(D)Suggesting that the consumer will receive a different price or rate for goods or services or a different level or quality of goods or services.
(2)Nothing in this subdivision prohibits a business from charging a consumer a different price or rate, or from providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if that difference is reasonably related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumers data.
(b)(1)A business may offer financial incentives, including payments to consumers as compensation, for the collection of personal information, the sale of personal information, or the deletion of personal information. A business may also offer a different price, rate, level, or quality of goods or services to the consumer if that price or difference is directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumers data.
(2)A business that offers any financial incentives pursuant to subdivision (a), shall notify consumers of the financial incentives pursuant to Section 1798.135.
(3)A business may enter a consumer into a financial incentive program only if the consumer gives the business prior opt-in consent pursuant to Section 1798.135 which clearly describes the material terms of the financial incentive program, and which may be revoked by the consumer at any time.
(4)A business shall not use financial incentive practices that are unjust, unreasonable, coercive, or usurious in nature.
1798.130.(a)In order to comply with Sections 1798.100, 1798.105, 1798.110, 1798.115, and 1798.125, in a form that is reasonably accessible to consumers, a business shall:
(1)Make available to consumers two or more designated methods for submitting requests for information required to be disclosed pursuant to Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115, including, at a minimum, a toll-free telephone number, and if the business maintains an Internet Web site, a Web site address.
(2)Disclose and deliver the required information to a consumer free of charge within 45 days of receiving a verifiable request from the consumer. The business shall promptly take steps to determine whether the request is a verifiable request, but this shall not extend the businesss duty to disclose and deliver the information within 45 days of receipt of the consumers request. The time period to provide the required information may be extended once by an additional 45 days when reasonably necessary, provided the consumer is provided notice of the extension within the first 45-day period. The disclosure shall cover the 12-month period preceding the businesss receipt of the verifiable request and shall be made in writing and delivered through the consumers account with the business, if the consumer maintains an account with the business, or by mail or electronically at the consumers option if the consumer does not maintain an account with the business, in a readily useable format that allows the consumer to transmit this information from one entity to another entity without hindrance. The business shall not require the consumer to create an account with the business in order to make a verifiable request.
(3)For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 1798.110:
(A)To identify the consumer, associate the information provided by the consumer in the verifiable request to any personal information previously collected by the business about the consumer.
(B)Identify by category or categories the personal information collected about the consumer in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information collected.
(4)For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 1798.115:
(A)Identify the consumer and associate the information provided by the consumer in the verifiable request to any personal information previously collected by the business about the consumer.
(B)Identify by category or categories the personal information of the consumer that the business sold in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information, and provide accurate names and contact information for the third parties to whom the consumers personal information was sold in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information sold for each third party. The business shall disclose the information in a list that is separate from a list generated for the purposes of subparagraph (C).
(C)Identify by category or categories the personal information of the consumer that the business disclosed for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information, and provide accurate names and contact information for the persons to whom the consumers personal information was disclosed for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describes the personal information disclosed for each person. The business shall disclose the information in a list that is separate from a list generated for the purposes of subparagraph (B).
(5)Disclose the following information in its online privacy policy or policies if the business has an online privacy policy or policies and in any California-specific description of consumers privacy rights, or if the business does not maintain those policies, on its Internet Web site, and update that information at least once every 12 months:
(A)A description of a consumers rights pursuant to Sections 1798.110, 1798.115, and 1798.125 and one or more designated methods for submitting requests.
(B)For purposes of subdivision (c) of Section 1798.110, a list of the categories of personal information it has collected about consumers in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describe the personal information collected.
(C)For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 1798.115, two separate lists:
(i)A list of the categories of personal information it has sold about consumers in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category or categories in subdivision (c) that most closely describe the personal information sold, or if the business has not sold consumers personal information in the preceding 12 months, the business shall disclose that fact.
(ii)A list of the categories of personal information it has disclosed about consumers for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months by reference to the enumerated category in subdivision (c) that most closely describe the personal information disclosed, or if the business has not disclosed consumers personal information for a business purpose in the preceding 12 months, the business shall disclose that fact.
(6)Ensure that all individuals responsible for handling consumer inquiries about the businesss privacy practices or the businesss compliance with this title are informed of all requirements in Sections 1798.110, 1798.115, 1798.125, and this section, and how to direct consumers to exercise their rights under those sections.
(7)Use any personal information collected from the consumer in connection with the businesss verification of the consumers request solely for the purposes of verification.
(b)A business is not obligated to provide the information required by Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 to the same consumer more than twice in a 12-month period.
(c)The categories of personal information required to be disclosed pursuant to Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 shall follow the definition of personal information in Section 1798.140.
1798.135.(a)A business that is required to comply with Section 1798.120 shall, in a form that is reasonably accessible to consumers:
(1)Provide a clear and conspicuous link on the business Internet homepage, titled Do Not Sell My Personal Information, to an Internet Web page that enables a consumer, or a person authorized by the consumer, to opt out of the sale of the consumers personal information. A business shall not require a consumer to create an account in order to direct the business not to sell the consumers personal information.
(2)Include a description of a consumers rights pursuant to Section 1798.120, along with a separate link to the Do Not Sell My Personal Information Internet Web page in:
(A)Its online privacy policy or policies if the business has an online privacy policy or policies.
(B)Any California-specific description of consumers privacy rights.
(3)Ensure that all individuals responsible for handling consumer inquiries about the businesss privacy practices or the businesss compliance with this title are informed of all requirements in Section 1798.120 and this section and how to direct consumers to exercise their rights under those sections.
(4)For consumers who exercise their right to opt out of the sale of their personal information, refrain from selling personal information collected by the business about the consumer.
(5)For a consumer who has opted out of the sale of the consumers personal information, respect the consumers decision to opt out for at least 12 months before requesting that the consumer authorize the sale of the consumers personal information.
(6)Use any personal information collected from the consumer in connection with the submission of the consumers opt-out request solely for the purposes of complying with the opt-out request.
(b)Nothing in this title shall be construed to require a business to comply with the title by including the required links and text on the homepage that the business makes available to the public generally, if the business maintains a separate and additional homepage that is dedicated to California consumers and that includes the required links and text, and the business takes reasonable steps to ensure that California consumers are directed to the homepage for California consumers and not the homepage made available to the public generally.
(c)A consumer may authorize another person solely to opt out of the sale of the consumers personal information on the consumers behalf, and a business shall comply with an opt out request received from a person authorized by the consumer to act on the consumers behalf, pursuant to regulations adopted by the Attorney General.
1798.140.For purposes of this title:
(a)Aggregate consumer information means information that relates to a group or category of consumers, from which individual consumer identities have been removed, that is not linked or reasonably linkable to any consumer or household, including via a device. Aggregate consumer information does not mean one or more individual consumer records that have been deidentified.
(b)Biometric information means an individuals physiological, biological or behavioral characteristics, including an individuals deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), that can be used, singly or in combination with each other or with other identifying data, to establish individual identity. Biometric information includes, but is not limited to, imagery of the iris, retina, fingerprint, face, hand, palm, vein patterns, and voice recordings, from which an identifier template, such as a faceprint, a minutiae template, or a voiceprint, can be extracted, and keystroke patterns or rhythms, gait patterns or rhythms, and sleep, health, or exercise data that contain identifying information.
(c)Business means:
(1)A sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, association, or other legal entity that is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of its shareholders or other owners, that collects consumers personal information, or on the behalf of which such information is collected and that alone, or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of consumers personal information, that does business in the State of California, and that satisfies one or more of the following thresholds:
(A)Has annual gross revenues in excess of twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000), as adjusted pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.185.
(B)Alone or in combination, annually buys, receives for the business' commercial purposes, sells, or shares for commercial purposes, alone or in combination, the personal information of 50,000 or more consumers, households, or devices.
(C)Derives 50 percent or more of its annual revenues from selling consumers personal information.
(2)Any entity that controls or is controlled by a business, as defined in paragraph (1), and that shares common branding with the business. Control or controlled means ownership of, or the power to vote, more than 50 percent of the outstanding shares of any class of voting security of a business; control in any manner over the election of a majority of the directors, or of individuals exercising similar functions; or the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management of a company. Common branding means a shared name, servicemark, or trademark.
(d)Business purpose means the use of personal information for the business or a service providers operational purposes, or other notified purposes, provided that the use of personal information shall be reasonably necessary and proportionate to achieve the operational purpose for which the personal information was collected or processed or for another operational purpose that is compatible with the context in which the personal information was collected. Business purposes are:
(1)Auditing related to a current interaction with the consumer and concurrent transactions, including, but not limited to, counting ad impressions to unique visitors, verifying positioning and quality of ad impressions, and auditing compliance with this specification and other standards.
(2)Detecting security incidents, protecting against malicious, deceptive, fraudulent, or illegal activity, and prosecuting those responsible for that activity.
(3)Debugging to identify and repair errors that impair existing intended functionality.
(4)Short-term, transient use, provided the personal information that is not disclosed to another third party and is not used to build a profile about a consumer or otherwise alter an individual consumers experience outside the current interaction, including, but not limited to, the contextual customization of ads shown as part of the same interaction.
(5)Performing services on behalf of the business or service provider, including maintaining or servicing accounts, providing customer service, processing or fulfilling orders and transactions, verifying customer information, processing payments, providing financing, providing advertising or marketing services, providing analytic services, or providing similar services on behalf of the business or service provider.
(6)Undertaking internal research for technological development and demonstration.
(7)Undertaking activities to verify or maintain the quality or safety of a service or device that is owned, manufactured, manufactured for, or controlled by the business, and to improve, upgrade, or enhance the service or device that is owned, manufactured, manufactured for, or controlled by the business.
(e)Collects, collected, or collection means buying, renting, gathering, obtaining, receiving, or accessing any personal information pertaining to a consumer by any means. This includes receiving information from the consumer, either actively or passively, or by observing the consumers behavior.
(f)Commercial purposes means to advance a persons commercial or economic interests, such as by inducing another person to buy, rent, lease, join, subscribe to, provide, or exchange products, goods, property, information, or services, or enabling or effecting, directly or indirectly, a commercial transaction. Commercial purposes do not include for the purpose of engaging in speech that state or federal courts have recognized as noncommercial speech, including political speech and journalism.
(g)Consumer means a natural person who is a California resident, as defined in Section 17014 of Title 18 of the California Code of Regulations, as that section read on September 1, 2017, however identified, including by any unique identifier.
(h)Deidentified means information that cannot reasonably identify, relate to, describe, be capable of being associated with, or be linked, directly or indirectly, to a particular consumer, provided that a business that uses deidentified information:
(1)Has implemented technical safeguards that prohibit reidentification of the consumer to whom the information may pertain.
(2)Has implemented business processes that specifically prohibit reidentification of the information.
(3)Has implemented business processes to prevent inadvertent release of deidentified information.
(4)Makes no attempt to reidentify the information.
(i)Designated methods for submitting requests means a mailing address, email address, Internet Web page, Internet Web portal, toll-free telephone number, or other applicable contact information, whereby consumers may submit a request or direction under this title, and any new, consumer-friendly means of contacting a business, as approved by the Attorney General pursuant to Section 1798.185.
(j)Device means any physical object that is capable of connecting to the Internet, directly or indirectly, or to another device.
(k)Health insurance information means a consumers insurance policy number or subscriber identification number, any unique identifier used by a health insurer to identify the consumer, or any information in the consumers application and claims history, including any appeals records, if the information is linked or reasonably linkable to a consumer or household, including via a device, by a business or service provider.
(l)Homepage means the introductory page of an Internet Web site and any Internet Web page where personal information is collected. In the case of an online service, such as a mobile application, homepage means the applications platform page or download page, a link within the application, such as from the application configuration, About, Information, or settings page, and any other location that allows consumers to review the notice required by subdivision (a) of Section 1798.145, including, but not limited to, before downloading the application.
(m)Infer or inference means the derivation of information, data, assumptions, or conclusions from facts, evidence, or another source of information or data.
(n)Person means an individual, proprietorship, firm, partnership, joint venture, syndicate, business trust, company, corporation, limited liability company, association, committee, and any other organization or group of persons acting in concert.
(o)(1)Personal information means 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. Personal information includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(A)Identifiers such as a real name, alias, postal address, unique personal identifier, online identifier Internet Protocol address, email address, account name, social security number, drivers license number, passport number, or other similar identifiers.
(B)Any categories of personal information described in subdivision (e) of Section 1798.80.
(C)Characteristics of protected classifications under California or federal law.
(D)Commercial information, including records of personal property, products or services purchased, obtained, or considered, or other purchasing or consuming histories or tendencies.
(E)Biometric information.
(F)Internet or other electronic network activity information, including, but not limited to, browsing history, search history, and information regarding a consumers interaction with an Internet Web site, application, or advertisement.
(G)Geolocation data.
(H)Audio, electronic, visual, thermal, olfactory, or similar information.
(I)Professional or employment-related information.
(J)Education information, defined as information that is not publicly available personally identifiable information as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. section 1232g, 34 C.F.R. Part 99).
(K)Inferences drawn from any of the information identified in this subdivision to create a profile about a consumer reflecting the consumers preferences, characteristics, psychological trends, preferences, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes.
(2)Personal information does not include publicly available information. For these purposes, publicly available means information that is lawfully made available from federal, state, or local government records, if any conditions associated with such information. Publicly available does not mean biometric information collected by a business about a consumer without the consumers knowledge. Information is not publicly available if that data is used for a purpose that is not compatible with the purpose for which the data is maintained and made available in the government records or for which it is publicly maintained. Publicly available does not include consumer information that is deidentified or aggregate consumer information.
(p)Probabilistic identifier means the identification of a consumer or a device to a degree of certainty of more probable than not based on any categories of personal information included in, or similar to, the categories enumerated in the definition of personal information.
(q)Processing means any operation or set of operations that are performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means.
(r)Pseudonymize or Pseudonymization means the processing of personal information in a manner that renders the personal information no longer attributable to a specific consumer without the use of additional information, provided that the additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organizational measures to ensure that the personal information is not attributed to an identified or identifiable consumer.
(s)Research means scientific, systematic study and observation, including basic research or applied research that is in the public interest and that adheres to all other applicable ethics and privacy laws or studies conducted in the public interest in the area of public health. Research with personal information that may have been collected from a consumer in the course of the consumers interactions with a business service or device for other purposes shall be:
(1)Compatible with the business purpose for which the personal information was collected.
(2)Subsequently pseudonymized and deidentified, or deidentified and in the aggregate, such that the information cannot reasonably identify, relate to, describe, be capable of being associated with, or be linked, directly or indirectly, to a particular consumer.
(3)Made subject to technical safeguards that prohibit reidentification of the consumer to whom the information may pertain.
(4)Subject to business processes that specifically prohibit reidentification of the information.
(5)Made subject to business processes to prevent inadvertent release of deidentified information.
(6)Protected from any reidentification attempts.
(7)Used solely for research purposes that are compatible with the context in which the personal information was collected.
(8)Not be used for any commercial purpose.
(9)Subjected by the business conducting the research to additional security controls limit access to the research data to only those individuals in a business as are necessary to carry out the research purpose.
(t)(1)Sell, selling, sale, or sold, means selling, renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, transferring, or otherwise communicating orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumers personal information by the business to another business or a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration.
(2)For purposes of this title, a business does not sell personal information when:
(A)A consumer uses or directs the business to intentionally disclose personal information or uses the business to intentionally interact with a third party, provided the third party does not also sell the personal information, unless that disclosure would be consistent with the provisions of this title. An intentional interaction occurs when the consumer intends to interact with the third party, via one or more deliberate interactions. Hovering over, muting, pausing, or closing a given piece of content does not constitute a consumers intent to interact with a third party.
(B)The business uses or shares an identifier for a consumer who has opted out of the sale of the consumers personal information for the purposes of alerting third parties that the consumer has opted out of the sale of the consumers personal information.
(C)The business uses or shares with a service provider personal information of a consumer that is necessary to perform a business purposes if both of the following conditions are met: services that the service provider performs on the business behalf, provided that the service provider also does not sell the personal information.
(i)The business has provided notice that information being used or shared in its terms and conditions consistent with Section 1798.135.
(ii)The service provider does not further collect, sell, or use the personal information of the consumer except as necessary to perform the business purpose.
(D)The business transfers to a third party the personal information of a consumer as an asset that is part of a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or other transaction in which the third party assumes control of all or part of the business provided that information is used or shared consistently with Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115. If a third party materially alters how it uses or shares the personal information of a consumer in a manner that is materially inconsistent with the promises made at the time of collection, it shall provide prior notice of the new or changed practice to the consumer. The notice shall be sufficiently prominent and robust to ensure that existing consumers can easily exercise their choices consistently with Section 1798.120. This subparagraph does not authorize a business to make material, retroactive privacy policy changes or make other changes in their privacy policy in a manner that would violate the Unfair and Deceptive Practices Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 17200) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code).
(u)Service or services means work, labor, and services, including services furnished in connection with the sale or repair of goods.
(v)Service provider means a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, association, or other legal entity that is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of its shareholders or other owners, that processes information on behalf of a business and to which the business discloses a consumers personal information for a business purpose pursuant to a written contract, provided that the contract prohibits the entity receiving the information from retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for any purpose other than for the specific purpose of performing the services specified in the contract for the business, or as otherwise permitted by this title, including retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for a commercial purpose other than providing the services specified in the contract with the business.
(w)Third party means a person who is not any of the following:
(1)The business that collects personal information from consumers under this title.
(2)A person to whom the business discloses a consumers personal information for a business purpose pursuant to a written contract, provided that the contract:
(A)Prohibits the person receiving the personal information from:
(i)Selling the personal information.
(ii)Retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for any purpose other than for the specific purpose of performing the services specified in the contract, including retaining, using, or disclosing the personal information for a commercial purpose other than providing the services specified in the contract.
(iii)Retaining, using, or disclosing the information outside of the direct business relationship between the person and the business.
(B)Includes a certification made by the person receiving the personal information that the person understands the restrictions in subparagraph (A) and will comply with them.
A person covered by paragraph (2) that violates any of the restrictions set forth in this title shall be liable for the violations. A business that discloses personal information to a person covered by paragraph (2) in compliance with paragraph (2) shall not be liable under this title if the person receiving the personal information uses it in violation of the restrictions set forth in this title, provided that, at the time of disclosing the personal information, the business does not have actual knowledge, or reason to believe, that the person intends to commit such a violation.
(x)Unique identifier or Unique personal identifier means a persistent identifier that can be used to recognize a consumer, a family, or a device that is linked to a consumer or family, over time and across different services, including, but not limited to, a device identifier; an Internet Protocol address; cookies, beacons, pixel tags, mobile ad identifiers, or similar technology; customer number, unique pseudonym, or user alias; telephone numbers, or other forms of persistent or probabilistic identifiers that can be used to identify a particular consumer or device. For purposes of this subdivision, family means a custodial parent or guardian and any minor children over which the parent or guardian has custody.
(y)Verifiable consumer request means a request that is made by a consumer, by a consumer on behalf of the consumers minor child, or by a natural person or a person registered with the Secretary of State, authorized by the consumer to act on the consumers behalf, and that the business can reasonably verify, pursuant to regulations adopted by the Attorney General pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of section 1798.185 to be the consumer about whom the business has collected personal information. A business is not obligated to provide information to the consumer pursuant to Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 if the business cannot verify, pursuant this subdivision and regulations adopted by the Attorney General pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of section 1798.185, that the consumer making the request is the consumer about whom the business has collected information or is a person authorized by the consumer to act on such consumers behalf.
1798.145.(a)The obligations imposed on businesses by this title shall not restrict a businesss ability to:
(1)Comply with federal, state, or local laws.
(2)Comply with a civil, criminal, or regulatory inquiry, investigation, subpoena, or summons by federal, state, or local authorities.
(3)Cooperate with law enforcement agencies concerning conduct or activity that the business, service provider, or third party reasonably and in good faith believes may violate federal, state, or local law.
(4)Exercise or defend legal claims.
(5)Collect, use, retain, sell, or disclose consumer information that is deidentified or in the aggregate consumer information.
(6)Collect or sell a consumers personal information if every aspect of that commercial conduct takes place wholly outside of California. For purposes of this title, commercial conduct takes place wholly outside of California if the business collected that information while the consumer was outside of California, no part of the sale of the consumers personal information occurred in California, and no personal information collected while the consumer was in California is sold. This paragraph shall not permit a business from storing, including on a device, personal information about a consumer when the consumer is in California and then collecting that personal information when the consumer and stored personal information is outside of California.
(b)The obligations imposed on businesses by Sections 1798.110 to 1798.135, inclusive, shall not apply where compliance by the business with the title would violate an evidentiary privilege under California law and shall not prevent a business from providing the personal information of a consumer to a person covered by an evidentiary privilege under California law as part of a privileged communication.
(c)This act shall not apply to protected or health information that is collected by a covered entity governed by the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Part 2.6 (commencing with section 56 of Division 1)) or governed by the privacy, security, and breach notification rules issued by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Parts 160 and 164 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, established pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Availability Act of 1996. For purposes of this subdivision, the definition of medical information in Section 56.05 shall apply and the definitions of protected health information and covered entity from the federal privacy rule shall apply.
(d)This title shall not apply to the sale of personal information to or from a consumer reporting agency if that information is to be reported in, or used to generate, a consumer report as defined by subdivision (d) of Section 1681a of Title 15 of the United States Code, and use of that information is limited by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq.).
(e)This title shall not apply to personal information collected, processed, sold, or disclosed pursuant to the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (Public Law 106-102), and implementing regulations, if it is in conflict with that law.
(f)This title shall not apply to personal information collected, processed, sold, or disclosed pursuant to the Drivers Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. Sec. 2721 et seq.), if it is in conflict with that act.
(g)Notwithstanding a business obligations to respond to and honor consumer rights requests pursuant to this title:
(1)A time period for a business to respond to any verified consumer request may be extended by up to 90 additional days where necessary, taking into account the complexity and number of the requests. The business shall inform the consumer of any such extension within 45 days of receipt of the request, together with the reasons for the delay.
(2)If the business does not take action on the request of the consumer, the business shall inform the consumer, without delay and at the latest within the time period permitted of response by this section, of the reasons for not taking action and any rights the consumer may have to appeal the decision to the business.
(3)If requests from a consumer are manifestly unfounded or excessive, in particular because of their repetitive character, a business may either charge a reasonable fee, taking into account the administrative costs of providing the information or communication or taking the action requested, or refuse to act on the request and notify the consumer of the reason for refusing the request. The business shall bear the burden of demonstrating that any verified consumer request is manifestly unfounded or excessive.
(h)A business that discloses personal information to a service provider shall not be liable under this title if the service provider receiving the personal information uses it in violation of the restrictions set forth in the title, provided that, at the time of disclosing the personal information, the business does not have actual knowledge, or reason to believe, that the service provider intends to commit such a violation. A service provider shall likewise not be liable under this title for the obligations of a business for which it provides services as set forth in this title.
(i)This title shall not be construed to require a business to reidentify or otherwise link information that is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
(j)The rights afforded to consumers and the obligations imposed on the business in this title shall not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of other consumers.
1798.150.(a)(1)Any consumer of a business whose personal information is subject to a security breach of the business as described in Section 1798.82 as a result of the business violation of the duty to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information to protect the personal information may institute a civil action for any of the following:
(A)To recover damages in an amount not less than one hundred dollars ($100) and not greater than seven hundred and fifty ($750) per consumer per incident or actual damages, whichever is greater.
(B)Injunctive or declaratory relief.
(C)Any other relief the court deems proper.
(2)In assessing the amount of statutory damages, the court shall consider any one or more of the relevant circumstances presented by any of the parties to the case, including, but not limited to, the nature and seriousness of the misconduct, the number of violations, the persistence of the misconduct, the length of time over which the misconduct occurred, the willfulness of the defendants misconduct, and the defendants assets, liabilities, and net worth.
(b)Actions pursuant to this section may be brought by a consumer if all of the following requirements are met:
(1)Prior to initiating any action against a business for statutory damages on an individual or class-wide basis, a consumer shall provide a business 30 days written notice identifying the specific provisions of this title the consumer alleges have been or are being violated. In the event a cure is possible, if within the 30 days the business actually cures the noticed violation and provides the consumer an express written statement that the violations have been cured and that no further violations shall occur, no action for individual statutory damages or class-wide statutory damages may be initiated against the business. No notice shall be required prior to an individual consumer initiating an action solely for actual pecuniary damages suffered as a result of the alleged violations of this title. If a business continues to violate this title in breach of the express written statement provided to the consumer under this section, the consumer may initiate an action against the business to enforce the written statement and may pursue statutory damages for each breach of the express written statement, as well as any other violation of the title that postdates the written statement.
(2)A consumer bringing an action as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) shall notify the Attorney General within 30 days that the action has been filed.
(3)The Attorney General, upon receiving such notice shall, within 30 days, do one of the following:
(A)Notify the consumer bringing the action of the Attorney Generals intent to prosecute an action against the violation. If the Attorney General does not prosecute within six months, the consumer may proceed with the action.
(B)Refrain from acting within the 30 days, allowing the consumer bringing the action to proceed.
(C)Notify the consumer bringing the action that the consumer shall not proceed with the action.
1798.155.Any business or third party may seek the opinion of the Attorney General for guidance on how to comply with the provisions of this title.
(a)A business shall be in violation of this title if it fails to cure any alleged violation within 30 days after being notified of alleged noncompliance. Any business, service provider, or other person that violates this title shall be liable for a civil penalty as provided in Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General. The civil penalties provided for in this section shall be exclusively assessed and recovered in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General.
(b)Notwithstanding Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code, any person, business, or service provider that intentionally violates this title may be liable for a civil penalty of up to seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) for each violation.
(c)Notwithstanding Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code, any civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 17206 for a violation of this title, and the proceeds of any settlement of an action brought pursuant to subdivision (a), shall be allocated as follows:
(1)Twenty percent to the Consumer Privacy Fund, created within the General Fund pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1798.109, with the intent to fully offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title.
(2)Eighty percent to the jurisdiction on whose behalf the action leading to the civil penalty was brought.
(d)It is the intent of the Legislature that the percentages specified in subdivision (c) be adjusted as necessary to ensure that any civil penalties assessed for a violation of this title fully offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title, including a sufficient amount to cover any deficit from a prior fiscal year.
1798.160.(a)A special fund to be known as the Consumer Privacy Fund is hereby created within the General Fund in the State Treasury, and is available upon appropriation by the Legislature to offset any costs incurred by the state courts in connection with actions brought to enforce this title and any costs incurred by the Attorney General in carrying out the Attorney Generals duties under this title.
(b)Funds transferred to the Consumer Privacy Fund shall be used exclusively to offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title. These funds shall not be subject to appropriation or transfer by the Legislature for any other purpose, unless the Director of Finance determines that the funds are in excess of the funding needed to fully offset the costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title, in which case the Legislature may appropriate excess funds for other purposes.
1798.175.This title is intended to further the constitutional right of privacy and to supplement existing laws relating to consumers personal information, including, but not limited to, Chapter 22 (commencing with Section 22575) of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code and Title 1.81 (commencing with Section 1798.80). The provisions of this title are not limited to information collected electronically or over the Internet, but apply to the collection and sale of all personal information collected by a business from consumers. Wherever possible, law relating to consumers personal information should be construed to harmonize with the provisions of this title, but in the event of a conflict between other laws and the provisions of this title, the provisions of the law that afford the greatest protection for the right of privacy for consumers shall control.
1798.180.This title is a matter of statewide concern and supersedes and preempts all rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, and other laws adopted by a city, county, city and county, municipality, or local agency regarding the collection and sale of consumers personal information by a business.
1798.185.(a)On or before January 1, 2020, the Attorney General shall solicit broad public participation to adopt regulations to further the purposes of this title, including, but not limited to, the following areas:
(1)Updating as needed additional categories of personal information to those enumerated in subdivision (c) of Section 1798.130 and subdivision (o) of Section 1798.140 in order to address changes in technology, data collection practices, obstacles to implementation, and privacy concerns.
(2)Updating as needed the definition of unique identifiers to address changes in technology, data collection, obstacles to implementation, and privacy concerns, and additional categories to the definition of designated methods for submitting requests to facilitate a consumers ability to obtain information from a business pursuant to Section 1798.130.
(3)Establishing any exceptions necessary to comply with state or federal law, including, but not limited to, those relating to trade secrets and intellectual property rights, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter.
(4)Establishing rules and procedures for the following, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter:
(A)To facilitate and govern the submission of a request by a consumer to opt out of the sale of personal information pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 1798.145.
(B)To govern business compliance with a consumers opt-out request.
(C)The development and use of a recognizable and uniform opt-out logo or button by all businesses to promote consumer awareness of the opportunity to opt out of the sale of personal information.
(5)Adjusting the monetary threshold in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 1798.106 in January of every odd-numbered year to reflect any increase in the Consumer Price Index.
(6)Establishing rules, procedures, and any exceptions necessary to ensure that the notices and information that businesses are required to provide pursuant to this title are provided in a manner that may be easily understood by the average consumer, are accessible to consumers with disabilities, and are available in the language primarily used to interact with the consumer, including establishing rules and guidelines regarding financial incentive offerings, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter.
(7)Establishing rules and procedures to further the purposes of Sections 1798.110 and 1798.115 and to facilitate a consumers or the consumers authorized agents ability to obtain information pursuant to Section 1798.130, with the goal of minimizing the administrative burden on consumers, taking into account available technology, security concerns, and the burden on the business, to govern a business determination that a request for information received by a consumer is a verifiable request, including treating a request submitted through a password-protected account maintained by the consumer with the business while the consumer is logged into the account as a verifiable request and providing a mechanism for a consumer who does not maintain an account with the business to request information through the business authentication of the consumers identity, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter.
(b)The Attorney General may adopt additional regulations as necessary to further the purposes of this title.
1798.190.If a series of steps or transactions were component parts of a single transaction intended from the beginning to be taken with the intention of avoiding the reach of this title, including the disclosure of information by a business to a third party in order to avoid the definition of sell, a court shall disregard the intermediate steps or transactions for purposes of effectuating the purposes of this title.
1798.192.Any provision of a contract or agreement of any kind that purports to waive or limit in any way a consumers rights under this title, including, but not limited to, any right to a remedy or means of enforcement, shall be deemed contrary to public policy and shall be void and unenforceable. This section shall not prevent a consumer from declining to request information from a business, declining to opt out of a business sale of the consumers personal information, or authorizing a business to sell the consumers personal information after previously opting out.
1798.194.This title shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.
1798.196.This title is intended to supplement federal and state law, if permissible, but shall not apply if such application is preempted by, or in conflict with, federal law or the California Constitution.
1798.198.(a)Subject to limitation provided in subdivision (b), this title shall be operative January 1, 2020.
(b)This act shall become operative only if initiative measure No. 17-0039, The Consumer Right to Privacy Act of 2018, is withdrawn from the ballot pursuant to Section 9604 of the Elections Code.
SEC. 4.(a)The provisions of this bill are severable. If any provision of this bill or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
All matter omitted in this version of the bill appears in the bill as amended in the Senate, September 12, 2017. (JR11)This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act.
22550.5.It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter to incorporate into statute certain provisions of the Federal Communications Commission Report and Order Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services (FCC 16-148), which were revoked by Senate Joint Resolution 34 (Public Law 115-22), which became effective April 3, 2017. In adopting the specified provisions incorporated into this act, it is the intent of the Legislature to give consumers greater control over their personal information when accessing the Internet through a broadband Internet access service provider and thereby better protect their own privacy and autonomy. It is also the intent of the Legislature that the consumer protections set forth in this chapter be interpreted broadly and any exceptions interpreted narrowly narrowly, using the Federal Communications Commission Report and Order as persuasive guidance, in order to maximize individual privacy and autonomy.
22551.For purposes of this chapter:
(a)(1)Aggregate customer information means collective data that relates to a group or category of customers, from which individual customer identities and characteristics have been removed, that is not linked or reasonably linkable to any individual person, household, or device.
(2)Aggregate customer information does not mean one or more individual customer records that have been de-identified.
(a)(b)Broadband Internet access service or BIAS means a mass market retail service by wire or radio in California that provides the capability to transmit data and to receive data from all or substantially all Internet endpoints, including any capabilities that are incidental to, and enable the operation of, the communications service, but excluding dial-up Internet access service. The term also encompasses any service that provides a functional equivalent of the service described in this subdivision, or that is used to evade the protections set forth in this chapter.
(b)(c)(1)Broadband Internet access service provider means a person engaged in the provision of broadband Internet access service BIAS to a customer account located in California.
(c)Breach of security, breach, and data breach mean any instance in which a person, without authorization or exceeding authorization, has gained access to, used, or disclosed customer proprietary information.(d)Call detail information means information that pertains to the transmission of specific telephone calls, including the following:(1)For any call, its time, location, and duration.(2)For an outbound call, the telephone number called.(3)For an inbound call, the telephone number from which the call was placed.(e)Communications provider or provider means any provider of communications services in California, except that this term does not include aggregators of communications services, as defined in Section 226 of Title 47 of the United States Code. For purposes of this chapter, the term communications provider or provider shall include a person engaged in the provision of VoIP service or broadband Internet access service.(f)Communications service means the offering of telecommunications in California for a fee directly to the public, or to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public, regardless of the facilities used. For the purposes of this chapter, the term communications service shall include VoIP service and broadband Internet access service.(2)Broadband Internet access service provider does not include a premises operator, including a coffee shop, bookstore, airline, private end-user network, or other business that acquires BIAS from a BIAS provider to enable patrons to access the Internet from its respective establishment.
(g)(d)Customer means either of the following:
(1)A current or former subscriber to communications service BIAS in California.
(2)An applicant for communications service BIAS in California.
(h)(e)Customer proprietary information means any of the following that a communications BIAS provider acquires in connection with its provision of communications service: BIAS:
(1)Individually identifiable customer proprietary network information.
(2)Personally identifiable information.
(3)Content of a communication.
(i)(f)(1)Customer proprietary network information or CPNI means both of the following:
(A)Information information that relates to the quantity, technical configuration, type, destination, location, and amount of use of a communications service BIAS subscribed to by a customer of a communications BIAS provider, and that is made available to the BIAS provider by the customer solely by virtue of the provider-customer relationship.
(B)Information contained in the bills pertaining to telephone exchange service or telephone toll service received by a customer of a provider.(2)Customer proprietary network information does not include subscriber list information.(j)Interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol service or VoIP service means a service that does all of the following:(1)Enables real-time, two-way voice communications.(2)Requires a broadband connection from the users location.(3)Requires Internet protocol-compatible customer premises equipment.(4)Permits users generally to receive calls that originate on the public switched telephone network and to terminate calls to the public switched telephone network.(2)(A)CPNI includes, but is not limited to, all of the following: broadband service plans, geo-location data, Media Access Control (MAC) addresses and other device identifiers, source and destination Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and domain name information, other information in the network layer protocol headers, traffic statistics, including both short-term and long-term measurements, port information and other transport layer protocol header information, application headers including any information a BIAS provider injects into the application header, application usage, application payload, customer premises equipment, and other customer device information.
(B)CPNI includes any information falling within a CPNI category that the BIAS provider collects or accesses in connection with the provision of BIAS.
(C)CPNI includes information that a BIAS provider causes to be collected or stored on a customers device, including customer premises equipment and mobile stations.
(k)(g)Material change means any change that a customer, acting reasonably under the circumstances, would consider important to his or her decisions regarding his or her privacy, including any change to information required by the privacy notice described in Section 22552. privacy.
(h)Nonsensitive customer proprietary information means customer proprietary information that is not sensitive customer proprietary information.
(l)(i)Opt-in approval means a method for obtaining customer consent to use, disclose, or permit access to the customers proprietary information. This approval method requires that the communications BIAS provider obtain from the customer affirmative, express consent allowing the requested usage, disclosure, or access to the customer proprietary information after the customer is provided appropriate notification of the BIAS providers request, consistent with the requirements of this chapter.
(m)(j)Opt-out approval means a method for obtaining customer consent to use, disclose, or permit access to the customers proprietary information. Under this approval method, a customer is deemed to have consented to the use or disclosure of, or access to, the customers proprietary information if the customer has failed to object to that use, disclosure, or access after the customer is provided appropriate notification of the communications BIAS providers request for consent, consistent with the requirements of this chapter.
(n)(k)Person includes an individual, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, or corporation.
(o)(l)Personally identifiable information means any information that is linked or reasonably linkable to an individual or device. Information is linked or reasonably linkable to an individual or device if it can reasonably be used on its own, in context, or in combination to identify an individual or device, or to logically associate it with other information about a specific individual or device. Personally identifiable information includes, but is not limited to each of the following: name; address; Social Security number; date of birth; mothers maiden name; government-issued identifiers, including a drivers license number; physical address; email address or other online contact information; phone numbers; MAC addresses or other unique device identifiers; IP addresses; and persistent online or unique advertising identifiers.
(p)(m)Sensitive customer proprietary information includes all of the following:
(1)Financial information.
(2)Health information.
(3)Information pertaining to children.
(4)Social security numbers.
(5)Precise geolocation information.
(6)Content of communications.
(7)Call detail information.(8)Web(7)(A)Internet Web site browsing history, application usage history, and the functional equivalents of either.
(q)Telecommunications means the transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the users choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received.(B)Internet Web site browsing history and application usage history means information from network traffic related to Internet Web site browsing or other applications, including the application layer of that traffic, and information from network traffic indicating the Internet Web site or party with which the customer is communicating, including a domain or IP address.
22552.(a)In addition to the requirements of Chapter 22 (commencing with Section 22575), as applicable, a communications provider shall notify its customers of its privacy policies. The notice shall be clear and conspicuous, and in language that is comprehensible and not misleading, and shall do all of the following:(1)Specify and describe the types of customer proprietary information that the provider collects by virtue of its provision of communications service and how it uses that information.(2)Specify and describe under what circumstances the provider discloses or permits access to each type of customer proprietary information that it collects.(3)Specify and describe the categories of entities to which the provider discloses or permits access to customer proprietary information and the purposes for which the customer proprietary information will be used by each category of entities.(4)Specify and describe a customers opt-in approval and opt-out approval rights with respect to his or her customer proprietary information, including both of the following:(A)That a customers denial or withdrawal of approval to use, disclose, or permit access to customer proprietary information shall not affect the provision of any communications services of which he or she is a customer.(B)That any grant, denial, or withdrawal of approval for the use, disclosure, or permission of access to the customer proprietary information is valid until the customer affirmatively revokes that grant, denial, or withdrawal. The notice shall inform the customer of his or her right to deny or withdraw access to the proprietary information at any time.(5)Provide for access to a mechanism for a customer to grant, deny, or withdraw approval for the provider to use, disclose, or provide access to customer proprietary information as required by Section 22553.(6)Be completely translated into a language other than English if the provider transacts business with the customer in that language.(b)Notice required under subdivision (a) shall be made pursuant to both of the following requirements:(1)The provider shall make the notice to a prospective customer at the point of sale, prior to the purchase of service, whether the point of sale is in person, online, over the telephone, or via another means.(2)The provider shall make the notice persistently available through a clear and conspicuous link on the communications providers homepage, the providers application if it provides one for account management purposes, and any functional equivalent to the providers homepage or application. If a provider does not have an Internet Web site, it shall provide notice to a customer in paper form or another format agreed upon by the customer.(c)A communications provider shall provide an existing customer with advance notice of one or more material changes to the providers privacy policies. The notice shall be clear and conspicuous, in language that is comprehensible and not misleading, and shall satisfy all of the following:(1)It shall be provided through email or another means of active communication agreed upon by the customer.(2)It shall specify and describe both of the following:(A)The changes made to the providers privacy policies, including any changes to what customer proprietary information the provider collects, and how it uses, discloses, or permits access to that information, the categories of entities to which it discloses or permits access to customer proprietary information, and which, if any, changes are retroactive.(B)A customers opt-in approval or opt-out approval rights with respect to his or her customer proprietary information, including the material specified in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a).(3)It shall provide for access to a mechanism for a customer to grant, deny, or withdraw approval for the provider to use, disclose, or permit access to his or her customer proprietary information as required by Section 22553.(4)It shall be completely translated into a language other than English if the provider transacts business with the customer in that language.22553.22552.(a)(1)Except as described in paragraph (2), a communications BIAS provider shall not use, disclose, or permit access to customer proprietary information except with the opt-out or opt-in approval of a customer as described in this section.
(2)A BIAS provider may use, disclose, or permit access to customer proprietary information without customer approval for any of the following purposes:
(A)In its provision of the communications BIAS service from which the information is derived, or in its provision of services necessary to, or used in, the provision of the service.
(B)To initiate, render, bill, and collect for communications service. BIAS.
(C)To protect the rights or property of the BIAS provider, or to protect users of the communications service BIAS and other BIAS providers from fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful use of the service.
(D)To provide any inbound marketing, referral, or administrative services to the customer for the duration of a real-time interaction, if the interaction was initiated by the customer. interaction.
(E)To provide location information or nonsensitive customer proprietary information to any of the following:
(i)A public safety answering point, emergency medical service provider or emergency dispatch provider, public safety, fire service, or law enforcement official, or hospital emergency or trauma care facility, in order to respond to the users request for emergency services.
(ii)The users legal guardian or members of the users immediate family of the users location in an emergency situation that involves the risk of death or serious physical harm.
(iii)Providers of information or database management services solely for purposes of assisting in the delivery of emergency services in response to an emergency.
(F)To generate an aggregate customer information dataset using customer personal information, or using, disclosing, or permitting access to the aggregate customer information dataset it generated.
(G)For any other lawful purpose if the BIAS provider ensures the customer proprietary information is not individually identifiable by doing all of the following:
(i)Determining that the information is not reasonably linkable to an individual or device.
(ii)Publicly committing to maintain and use the data in a non-individually identifiable fashion and to not attempt to re-identify the data.
(iii)Contractually prohibiting any entity to which it discloses or permits access to the de-identified data from attempting to re-identify the data.
(F)(H)As otherwise required or authorized by law.
(b)Except as otherwise provided in this section, a communications BIAS provider shall obtain opt-out approval from a customer to use, disclose, or permit access to any of the customers nonsensitive customer proprietary information. If it so chooses, a BIAS provider may instead obtain opt-in approval from a customer to use, disclose, or permit access to any of the customers nonsensitive customer proprietary information.
(c)Except as otherwise provided in this section, a communications BIAS provider shall obtain opt-in approval from a customer to do either of the following:
(1)Use, disclose, or permit access to any of the customers sensitive customer proprietary information.
(2)Make any material retroactive change, including a material change that would result in a use, disclosure, or permission of access to any of the customers proprietary information previously collected by the BIAS provider for which the customer did not previously grant approval, either through opt-in or opt-out consent, as required by subdivision (b) and this subdivision.
(d)(1)Except as described in subdivision (a), a communications BIAS provider shall, at a minimum, solicit customer approval pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c), as applicable, at the point of sale and when making one or more material changes to privacy policies. The solicitation may be part of, or the same communication as, a notice required by Section 22552.
(2)A providers solicitation of customer approval shall be clear and conspicuous, and in language that is comprehensible and not misleading. The solicitation shall disclose all of the following:
(A)The types of customer proprietary information that the BIAS provider is seeking customer approval to use, disclose, or permit access to.
(B)The purposes for which the customer proprietary information will be used.
(C)The categories of entities to which the BIAS provider intends to disclose or permit access to the customer proprietary information.
(D)A means to easily access the notice required by subdivision (a) of Section 22552 and a means to access the mechanism required by subdivision (e).(3)A BIAS providers solicitation of customer approval shall be completely translated into a language other than English if the BIAS provider transacts business with the customer in that language.
(e)A communications BIAS provider shall make available a simple, easy-to-use mechanism for customers a customer to grant, deny, or withdraw opt-in approval and opt-out approval at any time. The mechanism shall be clear and conspicuous, in language that is comprehensible and not misleading, and made available at no additional cost to the customer. The mechanism shall be persistently available on or through the BIAS providers homepage on its Internet Web site, the BIAS providers application if it provides one for account management purposes, and any functional equivalent to the BIAS providers homepage or application. If the BIAS provider does not have an Internet Web site, a homepage, it shall provide a persistently available mechanism by another means such as a toll-free telephone number. The customers grant, denial, or withdrawal of approval shall be given effect promptly and remain in effect until the customer revokes or limits the grant, denial, or withdrawal of approval.
22554.(a)In addition to the requirements of Section 1798.81.5 of the Civil Code, a communications provider shall take reasonable measures to protect customer proprietary information from unauthorized use, disclosure, or access.(b)The security measures taken by a communications provider to implement the requirement set forth in this section shall, as appropriate, take into account each of the following factors:(1)The nature and scope of the providers activities.(2)The sensitivity of the data it collects.(3)The size of the provider.(4)Technical feasibility.(c)A communications provider may employ a lawful security measure that allows it to implement the requirement set forth in this section.22555.(a)(1)In addition to the requirements of Section 1798.82 of the Civil Code, a communications provider shall notify an affected customer of any breach without unreasonable delay and in any event no later than 30 calendar days after the provider reasonably determines that a breach has occurred, subject to law enforcement needs, unless the provider can reasonably determine that no harm to the customer is reasonably likely to occur as a result of the breach.(2)A provider required to provide notification to a customer under this subdivision shall provide the notice by one or both of the following methods:(A)Written notification sent to either the customers email address or the postal address on record of the customer, or, for former customers, to the last postal address ascertainable after reasonable investigation using commonly available sources.(B)Other electronic means of active communications agreed upon by the customer for contacting that customer for data breach notification purposes.(3)The customer notification required to be provided under this subdivision shall include all of the following:(A)The date, estimated date, or estimated date range of the breach of security.(B)A description of the customer proprietary information that was breached or reasonably believed to have been breached.(C)Information the customer can use to contact the provider to inquire about the breach of security and the customer proprietary information that the provider maintains about that customer.(D)Information about how to contact the Federal Communications Commission.(E)If the breach creates a risk of financial harm, information about the national credit-reporting agencies and the steps the customer can take to guard against identity theft, including any credit monitoring, credit reporting, credit freezes, or other consumer protections the provider is offering customers affected by the breach of security.(b)A communications provider shall notify the Federal Communications Commission of any breach affecting 5,000 or more customers no later than seven business days after the provider reasonably determines that a breach has occurred and at least three business days before notification to the affected customers, unless the provider can reasonably determine that no harm to customers is reasonably likely to occur as a result of the breach. A provider shall notify the Federal Communications Commission of any breach affecting fewer than 5,000 customers without unreasonable delay and no later than 30 calendar days after the provider reasonably determines that a breach has occurred, unless the provider can reasonably determine that no harm to customers is reasonably likely to occur as a result of the breach.(c)A communications provider shall notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service of a breach that affects 5,000 or more customers no later than seven business days after the provider reasonably determines that a breach has occurred and at least three business days before notification to the affected customers, unless the provider can reasonably determine that no harm to customers is reasonably likely to occur as a result of the breach.(d)A communications provider shall maintain a record, electronically or in some other manner, of any breaches and notifications made to customers, unless the provider can reasonably determine that no harm to customers is reasonably likely to occur as a result of the breach. The record shall include the dates on which the provider determines that a reportable breach has occurred and the dates of customer notification. The record shall include a written copy of all customer notifications. A provider shall retain the record for a minimum of two years from the date on which it determines that a reportable breach has occurred.22556.A communications provider may bind itself contractually to privacy and data security regimes other than those described in this chapter for the provision of communications services other than broadband Internet access service to enterprise customers if the providers contract with that customer specifically addresses the issues of transparency, choice, data security, and data breach and provides a mechanism for the customer to communicate with the provider about privacy and data security concerns.22557.22553.A broadband Internet access service BIAS provider shall not do either of the following:
(a)Refuse to provide broadband Internet access service, BIAS, or in any way limit that service, to a customer who does not waive his or her privacy rights guaranteed by law or regulation, including this chapter.
(b)Charge a customer a penalty, penalize a customer in any way, or offer a customer a discount or another benefit, as a direct or indirect consequence of a customers decision to, or refusal to, waive his or her privacy rights guaranteed by law or regulation, including this chapter.
22558.22554.This chapter shall not limit the other statutory rights of a customer or the statutory obligations of a communications BIAS provider, including, but not limited to, the rights and obligations described in this division, Section 1798.82 of the Civil Code, and Article 3 (commencing with Section 2891) of Chapter 10 of Part 2 of Division 1 of the Public Utilities Code.
22559.22555.The requirements of this chapter shall apply to broadband Internet access service BIAS providers operating within California when providing broadband Internet access service BIAS to their customers who are residents of and physically located in California. Except as described in Section 22556, any Any waiver by the customer of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed contrary to public policy and shall be void and unenforceable.
22560.22556.California adopts this chapter pursuant to all inherent state authority under the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and all relevant authority granted and reserved to the states by Title 47 of the United States Code, including the authority to impose requirements necessary to protect public safety and welfare, safeguard the rights of consumers, manage public rights-of-way, and regulate franchises. California further adopts this law pursuant to the inalienable right of privacy granted under the authority of Article I, Section 1 of the California Constitution.
22557.This chapter shall become operative on January 1, 2019.
SEC. 2.The provisions of this act are severable. If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act.
22949.2.22550.5.It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter to give consumers greater control over their personal information when accessing the Internet through an a broadband Internet access service provider and thereby better protect their own privacy and autonomy. It is also the intent of the Legislature that the consumer protections set forth in this chapter be interpreted broadly and any exceptions interpreted narrowly in order to maximize individual privacy and autonomy.
22949.3.For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:(a)Aggregate customer information means collective data that relates to a group or category of customers, from which individual customer identities and characteristics have been removed, that is not linked or reasonably linkable to any individual person, household, or device. Aggregate customer information does not mean one or more individual customer records that have been deidentified.(b)Customer means a current or former subscriber to the Internet access service, or an applicant for Internet access service.(c)Customer personal information means information collected from or about an individual customer or user of the customers subscription that is made available to the Internet service provider by a customer or user of the customers subscription solely by virtue of the provider-customer relationship, including:(1)Name and billing information.(2)Government-issued identifiers, including social security number.(3)Information that would permit the physical or online contacting of an individual, such as physical address, email address, phone number, or IP address.(4)Demographic information, such as date of birth, age, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation.(5)Financial information.(6)Health information.(7)Information pertaining to minors.(8)Geolocation information.(9)Information from the use of the service, such as Web browsing history, application usage history, content of communications, and origin and destination Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of all traffic.(10)Device identifiers, such as media access control (MAC) address or Internet mobile equipment identity (IMEI).(11)Information concerning a customer or user of the customers subscription that is collected or made available and is maintained in personally identifiable form.(d)Internet access service means a mass-market retail service by wire or radio that provides the capability to transmit data to and receive data from all or substantially all Internet endpoints, including any capabilities that are incidental to and enable the operation of the communications service, but excluding dial-up Internet access service. Internet access service also encompasses any service that the Federal Communications Commission or the Public Utilities Commission finds to be providing a functional equivalent to the service described in this subdivision.(e)Internet service provider means a person or entity engaged in the provision of Internet access service, but only to the extent that the person or entity is providing Internet access service.22949.4.(a)An Internet service provider shall not use, disclose, sell, or permit access to customer personal information, except as provided in this chapter.(b)(1)An Internet service provider may use, disclose, sell, or permit access to customer personal information if the customer gives the Internet service provider prior opt-in consent, which may be revoked by the customer at any time. The mechanism for requesting and revoking consent under this subdivision shall be clear and conspicuous, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 17601, not misleading, in the language primarily used to conduct business with the customer, and made available to the customer at no additional cost. The mechanism shall also be persistently available on or through the Internet service providers Internet Web site, or mobile application if it provides one for account management purposes. If the Internet service provider does not have an Internet Web site, it shall provide a persistently available mechanism by another means, such as a toll-free telephone number. The customers grant, denial, or withdrawal of consent shall be given effect promptly and remain in effect until the customer revokes or limits the grant, denial, or withdrawal of consent.(2)The request for consent shall disclose to the customer all of the following:(A)The types of customer personal information for which the Internet service provider is seeking customer approval to use, disclose, sell, or permit access.(B)The purposes for which the customer personal information will be used.(C)The categories of entities to which the Internet service provider intends to disclose, sell, or permit access to the customer personal information.(c)An Internet service provider shall not do either of the following:(1)Refuse to serve a customer, or in any way limit services to a customer, who does not provide consent under subdivision (b).(2)Charge a customer a penalty, or penalize a customer in any way, or offer a customer a discount or another benefit based on the customers decision to provide or not provide consent under subdivision (b).(d)An Internet service provider shall disclose the customer personal information of the customer upon affirmative written request by the customer, to any person designated by the customer.22949.5.(a)An Internet service provider may use, disclose, or permit access to customer personal information without customer consent, but only to the extent necessary to achieve the stated purpose, in the following circumstances, unless otherwise prohibited by state law:(1)To provide the Internet access service from which the information is derived, or services necessary to the provision of that service.(2)To comply with legal process or other laws, court orders, or administrative orders.(3)To initiate, render, bill for, and collect for Internet access service.(4)To protect the rights or property of the Internet service provider, or to protect customers of those services and other carriers from fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful use of, or subscription to, those services.(5)To provide location information concerning the customer as follows:(A)To a public safety answering point, emergency medical service provider, or emergency dispatch provider, public safety, fire service, or law enforcement official, or hospital emergency or trauma care facility, in order to respond to the customers request for emergency services.(B)To inform the customers legal guardian, members of the customers family, or a person reasonably believed by the Internet service provider, to be a close personal friend of the customer, of the customers location in an emergency situation that involves the risk of death or life-threatening harm.(C)To providers of information or database management services solely for purposes of assisting in the delivery of emergency services in response to an emergency.(b)Nothing in this chapter shall restrict an Internet service provider from generating an aggregate customer information dataset using customer personal information, or using, disclosing, selling, or permitting access to the aggregate customer information dataset it generated.(c)Unless otherwise prohibited by state law, an Internet service provider may use, disclose, or permit access to customer personal information to advertise or market the providers communications-related services to the customer, provided that the customer may opt out of that use, disclosure, or access at any time, and the customer is notified of the right to opt out in a manner that is clear and conspicuous, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 17601, not misleading, in the language primarily used to conduct business with the consumer, persistently available, and made available to the customer at no additional cost.22949.6.(a)An Internet service provider shall implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information to protect customer personal information from unauthorized use, disclosure, access, destruction, or modification.(b)An Internet service provider may employ any lawful security measures that allow it to comply with the requirements set forth in this section.(c)An Internet service provider shall not retain a customers information for longer than is reasonably necessary to accomplish the purposes for which the information was collected, unless the information is aggregate customer information, or as otherwise required by this chapter.22551.For purposes of this chapter:
(a)Broadband Internet access service means a mass market retail service by wire or radio in California that provides the capability to transmit data and to receive data from all or substantially all Internet endpoints, including any capabilities that are incidental to, and enable the operation of, the communications service, but excluding dial-up Internet access service. The term also encompasses any service that provides a functional equivalent of the service described in this subdivision, or that is used to evade the protections set forth in this chapter.
(b)Broadband Internet access service provider means a person engaged in the provision of broadband Internet access service to a customer account located in California.
(c)Breach of security, breach, and data breach mean any instance in which a person, without authorization or exceeding authorization, has gained access to, used, or disclosed customer proprietary information.
(d)Call detail information means information that pertains to the transmission of specific telephone calls, including the following:
(1)For any call, its time, location, and duration.
(2)For an outbound call, the telephone number called.
(3)For an inbound call, the telephone number from which the call was placed.
(e)Communications provider or provider means any provider of communications services in California, except that this term does not include aggregators of communications services, as defined in Section 226 of Title 47 of the United States Code. For purposes of this chapter, the term communications provider or provider shall include a person engaged in the provision of VoIP service or broadband Internet access service.
(f)Communications service means the offering of telecommunications in California for a fee directly to the public, or to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public, regardless of the facilities used. For the purposes of this chapter, the term communications service shall include VoIP service and broadband Internet access service.
(g)Customer means either of the following:
(1)A current or former subscriber to communications service in California.
(2)An applicant for communications service in California.
(h)Customer proprietary information means any of the following that a communications provider acquires in connection with its provision of communications service:
(1)Individually identifiable customer proprietary network information.
(2)Personally identifiable information.
(3)Content of a communication.
(i)(1)Customer proprietary network information means both of the following:
(A)Information that relates to the quantity, technical configuration, type, destination, location, and amount of use of a communications service subscribed to by a customer of a communications provider, and that is made available to the provider by the customer solely by virtue of the provider-customer relationship.
(B)Information contained in the bills pertaining to telephone exchange service or telephone toll service received by a customer of a provider.
(2)Customer proprietary network information does not include subscriber list information.
(j)Interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol service or VoIP service means a service that does all of the following:
(1)Enables real-time, two-way voice communications.
(2)Requires a broadband connection from the users location.
(3)Requires Internet protocol-compatible customer premises equipment.
(4)Permits users generally to receive calls that originate on the public switched telephone network and to terminate calls to the public switched telephone network.
(k)Material change means any change that a customer, acting reasonably under the circumstances, would consider important to his or her decisions regarding his or her privacy, including any change to information required by the privacy notice described in Section 22552.
(l)Opt-in approval means a method for obtaining customer consent to use, disclose, or permit access to the customers proprietary information. This approval method requires that the communications provider obtain from the customer affirmative, express consent allowing the requested usage, disclosure, or access to the customer proprietary information after the customer is provided appropriate notification of the providers request, consistent with the requirements of this chapter.
(m)Opt-out approval means a method for obtaining customer consent to use, disclose, or permit access to the customers proprietary information. Under this approval method, a customer is deemed to have consented to the use or disclosure of, or access to, the customers proprietary information if the customer has failed to object to that use, disclosure, or access after the customer is provided appropriate notification of the communications providers request for consent, consistent with the requirements of this chapter.
(n)Person includes an individual, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, or corporation.
(o)Personally identifiable information means any information that is linked or reasonably linkable to an individual or device.
(p)Sensitive customer proprietary information includes all of the following:
(1)Financial information.
(2)Health information.
(3)Information pertaining to children.
(4)Social security numbers.
(5)Precise geolocation information.
(6)Content of communications.
(7)Call detail information.
(8)Web browsing history, application usage history, and the functional equivalents of either.
(q)Telecommunications means the transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the users choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received.
22552.(a)In addition to the requirements of Chapter 22 (commencing with Section 22575), as applicable, a communications provider shall notify its customers of its privacy policies. The notice shall be clear and conspicuous, and in language that is comprehensible and not misleading, and shall do all of the following:
(1)Specify and describe the types of customer proprietary information that the provider collects by virtue of its provision of communications service and how it uses that information.
(2)Specify and describe under what circumstances the provider discloses or permits access to each type of customer proprietary information that it collects.
(3)Specify and describe the categories of entities to which the provider discloses or permits access to customer proprietary information and the purposes for which the customer proprietary information will be used by each category of entities.
(4)Specify and describe a customers opt-in approval and opt-out approval rights with respect to his or her customer proprietary information, including both of the following:
(A)That a customers denial or withdrawal of approval to use, disclose, or permit access to customer proprietary information shall not affect the provision of any communications services of which he or she is a customer.
(B)That any grant, denial, or withdrawal of approval for the use, disclosure, or permission of access to the customer proprietary information is valid until the customer affirmatively revokes that grant, denial, or withdrawal. The notice shall inform the customer of his or her right to deny or withdraw access to the proprietary information at any time.
(5)Provide for access to a mechanism for a customer to grant, deny, or withdraw approval for the provider to use, disclose, or provide access to customer proprietary information as required by Section 22553.
(6)Be completely translated into a language other than English if the provider transacts business with the customer in that language.
(b)Notice required under subdivision (a) shall be made pursuant to both of the following requirements:
(1)The provider shall make the notice to a prospective customer at the point of sale, prior to the purchase of service, whether the point of sale is in person, online, over the telephone, or via another means.
(2)The provider shall make the notice persistently available through a clear and conspicuous link on the communications providers homepage, the providers application if it provides one for account management purposes, and any functional equivalent to the providers homepage or application. If a provider does not have an Internet Web site, it shall provide notice to a customer in paper form or another format agreed upon by the customer.
(c)A communications provider shall provide an existing customer with advance notice of one or more material changes to the providers privacy policies. The notice shall be clear and conspicuous, in language that is comprehensible and not misleading, and shall satisfy all of the following:
(1)It shall be provided through email or another means of active communication agreed upon by the customer.
(2)It shall specify and describe both of the following:
(A)The changes made to the providers privacy policies, including any changes to what customer proprietary information the provider collects, and how it uses, discloses, or permits access to that information, the categories of entities to which it discloses or permits access to customer proprietary information, and which, if any, changes are retroactive.
(B)A customers opt-in approval or opt-out approval rights with respect to his or her customer proprietary information, including the material specified in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a).
(3)It shall provide for access to a mechanism for a customer to grant, deny, or withdraw approval for the provider to use, disclose, or permit access to his or her customer proprietary information as required by Section 22553.
(4)It shall be completely translated into a language other than English if the provider transacts business with the customer in that language.
22553.(a)(1)Except as described in paragraph (2), a communications provider shall not use, disclose, or permit access to customer proprietary information except with the opt-out or opt-in approval of a customer as described in this section.
(2)A provider may use, disclose, or permit access to customer proprietary information without customer approval for any of the following purposes:
(A)In its provision of the communications service from which the information is derived, or in its provision of services necessary to, or used in, the provision of the service.
(B)To initiate, render, bill, and collect for communications service.
(C)To protect the rights or property of the provider, or to protect users of the communications service and other providers from fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful use of the service.
(D)To provide any inbound marketing, referral, or administrative services to the customer for the duration of a real-time interaction, if the interaction was initiated by the customer.
(E)To provide location information or nonsensitive customer proprietary information to any of the following:
(i)A public safety answering point, emergency medical service provider or emergency dispatch provider, public safety, fire service, or law enforcement official, or hospital emergency or trauma care facility, in order to respond to the users request for emergency services.
(ii)The users legal guardian or members of the users immediate family of the users location in an emergency situation that involves the risk of death or serious physical harm.
(iii)Providers of information or database management services solely for purposes of assisting in the delivery of emergency services in response to an emergency.
(F)As otherwise required or authorized by law.
(b)Except as otherwise provided in this section, a communications provider shall obtain opt-out approval from a customer to use, disclose, or permit access to any of the customers nonsensitive customer proprietary information. If it so chooses, a provider may instead obtain opt-in approval from a customer to use, disclose, or permit access to any of the customers nonsensitive customer proprietary information.
(c)Except as otherwise provided in this section, a communications provider shall obtain opt-in approval from a customer to do either of the following:
(1)Use, disclose, or permit access to any of the customers sensitive customer proprietary information.
(2)Make any material retroactive change, including a material change that would result in a use, disclosure, or permission of access to any of the customers proprietary information previously collected by the provider for which the customer did not previously grant approval, either through opt-in or opt-out consent, as required by subdivision (b) and this subdivision.
(d)(1)Except as described in subdivision (a), a communications provider shall, at a minimum, solicit customer approval pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c), as applicable, at the point of sale and when making one or more material changes to privacy policies. The solicitation may be part of, or the same communication as, a notice required by Section 22552.
(2)A providers solicitation of customer approval shall be clear and conspicuous, and in language that is comprehensible and not misleading. The solicitation shall disclose all of the following:
(A)The types of customer proprietary information that the provider is seeking customer approval to use, disclose, or permit access to.
(B)The purposes for which the customer proprietary information will be used.
(C)The categories of entities to which the provider intends to disclose or permit access to the customer proprietary information.
(D)A means to easily access the notice required by subdivision (a) of Section 22552 and a means to access the mechanism required by subdivision (e).
(3)A providers solicitation of customer approval shall be completely translated into a language other than English if the provider transacts business with the customer in that language.
(e)A communications provider shall make available a simple, easy-to-use mechanism for customers to grant, deny, or withdraw opt-in approval and opt-out approval at any time. The mechanism shall be clear and conspicuous, in language that is comprehensible and not misleading, and made available at no additional cost to the customer. The mechanism shall be persistently available on or through the providers Internet Web site, the providers application if it provides one for account management purposes, and any functional equivalent to the providers homepage or application. If the provider does not have an Internet Web site, it shall provide a persistently available mechanism by another means such as a toll-free telephone number. The customers grant, denial, or withdrawal of approval shall be given effect promptly and remain in effect until the customer revokes or limits the grant, denial, or withdrawal of approval.
22554.(a)In addition to the requirements of Section 1798.81.5 of the Civil Code, a communications provider shall take reasonable measures to protect customer proprietary information from unauthorized use, disclosure, or access.
(b)The security measures taken by a communications provider to implement the requirement set forth in this section shall, as appropriate, take into account each of the following factors:
(1)The nature and scope of the providers activities.
(2)The sensitivity of the data it collects.
(3)The size of the provider.
(4)Technical feasibility.
(c)A communications provider may employ a lawful security measure that allows it to implement the requirement set forth in this section.
22555.(a)(1)In addition to the requirements of Section 1798.82 of the Civil Code, a communications provider shall notify an affected customer of any breach without unreasonable delay and in any event no later than 30 calendar days after the provider reasonably determines that a breach has occurred, subject to law enforcement needs, unless the provider can reasonably determine that no harm to the customer is reasonably likely to occur as a result of the breach.
(2)A provider required to provide notification to a customer under this subdivision shall provide the notice by one or both of the following methods:
(A)Written notification sent to either the customers email address or the postal address on record of the customer, or, for former customers, to the last postal address ascertainable after reasonable investigation using commonly available sources.
(B)Other electronic means of active communications agreed upon by the customer for contacting that customer for data breach notification purposes.
(3)The customer notification required to be provided under this subdivision shall include all of the following:
(A)The date, estimated date, or estimated date range of the breach of security.
(B)A description of the customer proprietary information that was breached or reasonably believed to have been breached.
(C)Information the customer can use to contact the provider to inquire about the breach of security and the customer proprietary information that the provider maintains about that customer.
(D)Information about how to contact the Federal Communications Commission.
(E)If the breach creates a risk of financial harm, information about the national credit-reporting agencies and the steps the customer can take to guard against identity theft, including any credit monitoring, credit reporting, credit freezes, or other consumer protections the provider is offering customers affected by the breach of security.
(b)A communications provider shall notify the Federal Communications Commission of any breach affecting 5,000 or more customers no later than seven business days after the provider reasonably determines that a breach has occurred and at least three business days before notification to the affected customers, unless the provider can reasonably determine that no harm to customers is reasonably likely to occur as a result of the breach. A provider shall notify the Federal Communications Commission of any breach affecting fewer than 5,000 customers without unreasonable delay and no later than 30 calendar days after the provider reasonably determines that a breach has occurred, unless the provider can reasonably determine that no harm to customers is reasonably likely to occur as a result of the breach.
(c)A communications provider shall notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service of a breach that affects 5,000 or more customers no later than seven business days after the provider reasonably determines that a breach has occurred and at least three business days before notification to the affected customers, unless the provider can reasonably determine that no harm to customers is reasonably likely to occur as a result of the breach.
(d)A communications provider shall maintain a record, electronically or in some other manner, of any breaches and notifications made to customers, unless the provider can reasonably determine that no harm to customers is reasonably likely to occur as a result of the breach. The record shall include the dates on which the provider determines that a reportable breach has occurred and the dates of customer notification. The record shall include a written copy of all customer notifications. A provider shall retain the record for a minimum of two years from the date on which it determines that a reportable breach has occurred.
22556.A communications provider may bind itself contractually to privacy and data security regimes other than those described in this chapter for the provision of communications services other than broadband Internet access service to enterprise customers if the providers contract with that customer specifically addresses the issues of transparency, choice, data security, and data breach and provides a mechanism for the customer to communicate with the provider about privacy and data security concerns.
22557.A broadband Internet access service provider shall not do either of the following:
(a)Refuse to provide broadband Internet access service, or in any way limit that service, to a customer who does not waive his or her privacy rights guaranteed by law or regulation, including this chapter.
(b)Charge a customer a penalty, penalize a customer in any way, or offer a customer a discount or another benefit, as a direct or indirect consequence of a customers decision to, or refusal to, waive his or her privacy rights guaranteed by law or regulation, including this chapter.
22558.This chapter shall not limit the other statutory rights of a customer or the statutory obligations of a communications provider, including, but not limited to, the rights and obligations described in this division, Section 1798.82 of the Civil Code, and Article 3 (commencing with Section 2891) of Chapter 10 of Part 2 of Division 1 of the Public Utilities Code.
22949.7.22559.The requirements of this chapter shall apply to broadband Internet access service providers operating within California when providing broadband Internet access service to their customers who are residents of and physically located in California. Any Except as described in Section 22556, any waiver by the customer of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed contrary to public policy and shall be void and unenforceable.
22949.8.The provisions of this act are severable. If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.It is the intent of the Legislature that this chapter would have been adopted regardless of whether an invalid provision had not been included or an invalid application had not been made22949.9.22560.California adopts this chapter pursuant to all inherent state authority under the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and all relevant authority granted and reserved to the states by Title 47 of the United States Code, including the authority to impose requirements necessary to protect public safety and welfare, safeguard the rights of consumers, manage public rights-of-way, and regulate franchises. California further adopts this law pursuant to the inalienable right of privacy granted under the authority of Article I, Section 1 of the California Constitution.
SEC. 2.The provisions of this act are severable. If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act.
22949.2.It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter to give consumers greater control over their personal information when accessing the Internet through an Internet service provider and thereby better protect their own privacy and autonomy. It is also the intent of the Legislature that the consumer protections set forth in this chapter be interpreted broadly and any exceptions interpreted narrowly in order to maximize individual privacy and autonomy.
22949.3.For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:
(a)Aggregate customer information means collective data that relates to a group or category of customers, from which individual customer identities and characteristics have been removed, that is not linked or reasonably linkable to any individual person, household, or device. Aggregate customer information does not mean one or more individual customer records that have been deidentified.
(b)Customer means a current or former subscriber to the Internet access service, or an applicant for Internet access service.
(c)Customer personal information means information collected from or about an individual customer or user of the customers subscription that is made available to the Internet service provider by a customer or user of the customers subscription solely by virtue of the provider-customer relationship, including:
(1)Name and billing information.
(2)Government-issued identifiers, including social security number.
(3)Information that would permit the physical or online contacting of an individual, such as physical address, email address, phone number, or IP address.
(4)Demographic information, such as date of birth, age, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation.
(5)Financial information.
(6)Health information.
(7)Information pertaining to minors.
(8)Geolocation information.
(9)Information from the use of the service, such as Web browsing history, application usage history, content of communications, and origin and destination Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of all traffic.
(10)Device identifiers, such as media access control (MAC) address or Internet mobile equipment identity (IMEI).
(11)Information concerning a customer or user of the customers subscription that is collected or made available and is maintained in personally identifiable form.
(d)Internet access service means a mass-market retail service by wire or radio that provides the capability to transmit data to and receive data from all or substantially all Internet endpoints, including any capabilities that are incidental to and enable the operation of the communications service, but excluding dial-up Internet access service. Internet access service also encompasses any service that the Federal Communications Commission or the Public Utilities Commission finds to be providing a functional equivalent to the service described in this subdivision.
(e)Internet service provider means a person or entity engaged in the provision of Internet access service, but only to the extent that the person or entity is providing Internet access service.
22949.4.(a)An Internet service provider shall not use, disclose, sell, or permit access to customer personal information, except as provided in this chapter.
(b)(1)An Internet service provider may use, disclose, sell, or permit access to customer personal information if the customer gives the Internet service provider prior opt-in consent, which may be revoked by the customer at any time. The mechanism for requesting and revoking consent under this subdivision shall be clear and conspicuous, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 17601, not misleading, in the language primarily used to conduct business with the customer, and made available to the customer at no additional cost. The mechanism shall also be persistently available on or through the Internet service providers Internet Web site, or mobile application if it provides one for account management purposes. If the Internet service provider does not have an Internet Web site, it shall provide a persistently available mechanism by another means, such as a toll-free telephone number. The customers grant, denial, or withdrawal of consent shall be given effect promptly and remain in effect until the customer revokes or limits the grant, denial, or withdrawal of consent.
(2)The request for consent shall disclose to the customer all of the following:
(A)The types of customer personal information for which the Internet service provider is seeking customer approval to use, disclose, sell, or permit access.
(B)The purposes for which the customer personal information will be used.
(C)The categories of entities to which the Internet service provider intends to disclose, sell, or permit access to the customer personal information.
(c)An Internet service provider shall not do either of the following:
(1)Refuse to serve a customer, or in any way limit services to a customer, who does not provide consent under subdivision (b).
(2)Charge a customer a penalty, or penalize a customer in any way, or offer a customer a discount or another benefit based on the customers decision to provide or not provide consent under subdivision (b).
(d)An Internet service provider shall disclose the customer personal information of the customer upon affirmative written request by the customer, to any person designated by the customer.
22949.5.(a)An Internet service provider may use, disclose, or permit access to customer personal information without customer consent, but only to the extent necessary to achieve the stated purpose, in the following circumstances, unless otherwise prohibited by state law:
(1)To provide the Internet access service from which the information is derived, or services necessary to the provision of that service.
(2)To comply with legal process or other laws, court orders, or administrative orders.
(3)To initiate, render, bill for, and collect for Internet access service.
(4)To protect the rights or property of the Internet service provider, or to protect customers of those services and other carriers from fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful use of, or subscription to, those services.
(5)To provide location information concerning the customer as follows:
(A)To a public safety answering point, emergency medical service provider, or emergency dispatch provider, public safety, fire service, or law enforcement official, or hospital emergency or trauma care facility, in order to respond to the customers request for emergency services.
(B)To inform the customers legal guardian, members of the customers family, or a person reasonably believed by the Internet service provider, to be a close personal friend of the customer, of the customers location in an emergency situation that involves the risk of death or life-threatening harm.
(C)To providers of information or database management services solely for purposes of assisting in the delivery of emergency services in response to an emergency.
(b)Nothing in this chapter shall restrict an Internet service provider from generating an aggregate customer information dataset using customer personal information, or using, disclosing, selling, or permitting access to the aggregate customer information dataset it generated.
(c)Unless otherwise prohibited by state law, an Internet service provider may use, disclose, or permit access to customer personal information to advertise or market the providers communications-related services to the customer, provided that the customer may opt out of that use, disclosure, or access at any time, and the customer is notified of the right to opt out in a manner that is clear and conspicuous, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 17601, not misleading, in the language primarily used to conduct business with the consumer, persistently available, and made available to the customer at no additional cost.
22949.6.(a)An Internet service provider shall implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information to protect customer personal information from unauthorized use, disclosure, access, destruction, or modification.
(b)An Internet service provider may employ any lawful security measures that allow it to comply with the requirements set forth in this section.
(c)An Internet service provider shall not retain a customers information for longer than is reasonably necessary to accomplish the purposes for which the information was collected, unless the information is aggregate customer information, or as otherwise required by this chapter.
22949.7.The requirements of this chapter shall apply to Internet service providers operating within California when providing Internet access service to their customers who are residents of and physically located in California. Any waiver by the customer of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed contrary to public policy and shall be void and unenforceable.
22949.8.The provisions of this act are severable. If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
It is the intent of the Legislature that this chapter would have been adopted regardless of whether an invalid provision had not been included or an invalid application had not been made
22949.9.California adopts this chapter pursuant to all inherent state authority under the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and all relevant authority granted and reserved to the states by Title 47 of the United States Code, including the authority to impose requirements necessary to protect public safety and welfare, safeguard the rights of consumers, manage public rights-of-way, and regulate franchises. California further adopts this law pursuant to the inalienable right of privacy granted under the authority of Article I, Section 1 of the California Constitution.
SECTION 1.Section 20601 of the Business and Professions Code is repealed.Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require the disclosure of the name, credit history, utility usage data, home address, or telephone number of utility customers of local agencies, except that disclosure of name, utility usage data, and the home address of utility customers of local agencies shall be made available upon request as follows:
(a)To an agent or authorized family member of the person to whom the information pertains.
(b)To an officer or employee of another governmental agency when necessary for the performance of its official duties.
(c)Upon court order or the request of a To a law enforcement agency relative to an ongoing investigation. in response to a warrant issued pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1523) of Title 12 of Part 2 of the Penal Code.
(d)Upon determination by the local agency that the utility customer who is the subject of the request has used utility services in a manner inconsistent with applicable local utility usage policies.
(e)Upon determination by the local agency that the utility customer who is the subject of the request is an elected or appointed official with authority to determine the utility usage policies of the local agency, provided that the home address of an appointed official shall not be disclosed without his or her consent.
(f)Upon determination by the local agency that the public interest in disclosure of the information clearly outweighs the public interest in nondisclosure.
SEC. 2.Section 2891 of the Public Utilities Code is amended to read:2891.(a)No telephone or telegraph corporation shall make available to any other person or corporation, without first obtaining the residential subscribers consent, in writing, any of the following information:
(1)The subscribers personal calling patterns, including any listing of the telephone or other access numbers called by the subscriber, but excluding the identification to the person called of the person calling and the telephone number from which the call was placed, subject to the restrictions in Section 2893, and also excluding billing information concerning the person calling which that federal law or regulation requires a telephone corporation to provide to the person called.
(2)The residential subscribers credit or other personal financial information, except when the corporation is ordered by the commission to provide this information to any electrical, gas, heat, telephone, telegraph, or water corporation, or centralized credit check system, for the purpose of determining the creditworthiness of new utility subscribers.
(3)The services which that the residential subscriber purchases from the corporation or from independent suppliers of information services who use the corporations telephone or telegraph line to provide service to the residential subscriber.
(4)Demographic information about individual residential subscribers, or aggregate information from which individual identities and characteristics have not been removed.
(b)Any residential subscriber who gives his or her written consent for the release of one or more of the categories of personal information specified in subdivision (a) shall be informed by the telephone or telegraph corporation regarding the identity of each person or corporation to whom the information has been released, upon written request. The corporation shall notify every residential subscriber of the provisions of this subdivision whenever consent is requested pursuant to this subdivision.
(c)Any residential subscriber who has, pursuant to subdivision (b), given written consent for the release of one or more of the categories of personal information specified in subdivision (a) may rescind this consent upon submission of a written notice to the telephone or telegraph corporation. The corporation shall cease to make available any personal information about the subscriber, subscriber within 30 days following receipt of notice given pursuant to this subdivision.
(d)This section does not apply to any of the following:
(1)Information provided by residential subscribers for inclusion in the corporations directory of subscribers.
(2)Information customarily provided by the corporation through directory assistance services.
(3)Postal ZIP Code information.
(4)Information provided under supervision of the commission to a collection agency by the telephone corporation exclusively for the collection of unpaid debts.
(5)Information provided to an emergency service agency responding to a 911 telephone call or any other call communicating an imminent threat to life or property.
(6)Information provided to a law enforcement agency in response to lawful process. a warrant issued pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1523) of Title 12 of Part 2 of the Penal Code.
(7)Information which that is required by the commission pursuant to its jurisdiction and control over telephone and telegraph corporations.
(8)Information transmitted between telephone or telegraph corporations pursuant to the furnishing of telephone service between or within service areas.
(9)Information required to be provided by the corporation pursuant to rules and orders of the commission or the Federal Communications Commission regarding the provision over telephone lines by parties other than the telephone and telegraph corporations of telephone or information services.
(10)The name and address of the lifeline customers of a telephone corporation provided by that telephone corporation to a public utility for the sole purpose of low-income ratepayer assistance outreach efforts. The telephone corporation receiving the information request pursuant to this paragraph may charge the requesting utility for the cost of the search and release of the requested information.
(11)Information provided in response to a request pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 530.8 of the Penal Code.
(e)Every violation is a grounds for a civil suit by the aggrieved residential subscriber against the telephone or telegraph corporation and its employees responsible for the violation.
(f)For purposes of this section, access number means a telex, teletex, facsimile, computer modem, or any other code which that is used by a residential subscriber of a telephone or telegraph corporation to direct a communication to another subscriber of the same or another telephone or telegraph corporation.
SEC. 3.The heading of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 8380) of Division 4.1 of the Public Utilities Code is amended to read:5.Privacy Protections for Energy Consumption DataSEC. 4.Section 8382 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:8382.(a)For purposes of this section, cable corporation means a corporation or firm that transmits or provides television, computer, or telephone services by cable, digital, fiber optic, satellite, or comparable technology to customers for a fee.
(b)Consistent with Section 6254.16 of the Government Code and Section 2891, except as otherwise specified in Section 588, and notwithstanding any other law, the commission or a public utility, as defined in Section 216, local publicly owned utility, or cable corporation shall not disclose to a law enforcement agency personally identifiable information of a customer or aggregate information from which an individuals identity or characteristics may be determined, unless one of the following requirements is met:
(1)The customer whose information is subject to disclosure is notified of the identity of the agency seeking the disclosure and provides written consent to the disclosure.
(2)The disclosure is made pursuant to a warrant issued pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1523) of Title 12 of Part 2 of the Penal Code.
SEC. 5.The Legislature finds and declares that Section 1 of this act, which amends Section 6254.16 of the Government Code, imposes a limitation on the publics right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies within the meaning of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution. Pursuant to that constitutional provision, the Legislature makes the following findings to demonstrate the interest protected by this limitation and the need for protecting that interest:
This act balances the right of the public in general, and law enforcement agencies in particular, to access relevant information about utility operations and customers, to ensure that appropriate respect is shown for individual privacy and civil rights in law enforcement matters.
SEC. 6.The Legislature finds and declares that Section 1 of this act, which amends Section 6254.16 of the Government Code, furthers, within the meaning of paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution, the purposes of that constitutional section as it relates to the right of public access to the meetings of local public bodies or the writings of local public officials and local agencies. Pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution, the Legislature makes the following findings:
This act balances the right of the public in general, and law enforcement agencies in particular, to access relevant information about utility operations and customers, to ensure that appropriate respect is shown for individual privacy and civil rights in law enforcement matters.
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Status
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| Jun 28, 2018 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 55, Statutes of 2018. |
| Jun 28, 2018 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Jun 28, 2018 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 1:30 p.m. |
| Jun 28, 2018 | In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. May be considered on or after June 30 pursuant to Assembly Rule 77. |
| Jun 28, 2018 | From committee: That the measure be returned to Senate Floor for consideration. (Ayes 6. Noes 1.) (June 28) |
| Jun 26, 2018 | From committee: Pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10 that the measure be re-referred to Com. on APPR. pursuant to Joint Rule 10.5. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (June 26). |
| Jun 25, 2018 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Jun 21, 2018 | From inactive file. |
| Sep 16, 2017 | Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator McGuire. |
| Sep 15, 2017 | Withdrawn from committee. |
| Sep 12, 2017 | Senate Rule 29.3(b) suspended. |
| Aug 21, 2017 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on RLS. |
| Jul 19, 2017 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on RLS. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (July 18). Re-referred to Com. on RLS. |
| Jul 13, 2017 | In committee: Hearing postponed by committee. |
| Jul 18, 2017 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on JUD. (Ayes 9. Noes 1.) (July 18). Re-referred to Com. on JUD. |
| Jul 13, 2017 | Withdrawn from committee. |
| Jul 6, 2017 | Re-referred to Coms. on B., P. & E.D., E., U. & C., and JUD. |
| Jun 20, 2017 | Withdrawn from committee. |
| Jun 19, 2017 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on B., P. & E.D. |
| May 24, 2017 | Referred to Com. on B., P. & E.D. |
| May 11, 2017 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 11, 2017 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 77. Noes 0. Page 1483.) |
| May 4, 2017 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| May 3, 2017 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (May 2). |
| May 1, 2017 | Re-referred to Com. on P. & C.P. |
| Apr 27, 2017 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on P. & C.P. Read second time and amended. |
| Apr 18, 2017 | In committee: Hearing postponed by committee. |
| Mar 28, 2017 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author. |
| Mar 9, 2017 | In committee: Hearing postponed by committee. |
| Feb 21, 2017 | Referred to Coms. on P. & C.P. and C. & C. |
| Feb 10, 2017 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 12. |
| Feb 9, 2017 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 28, 2018 | AB 375 CHAU Concurrence in Senate Amendments | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jun 28, 2018 | Assembly 3rd Reading AB375 Chau et al. By Hertzberg | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jun 28, 2018 | That the measure be returned to Senate Floor for consideration. Ordered to third reading. | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jun 26, 2018 | Pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10, that the measure be re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations pursuant to Joint Rule 10.5 | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
|
| Jul 18, 2017 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Judiciary] | Senate Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications |
Passed |
|
| Jul 18, 2017 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Rules] | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
|
| May 11, 2017 | AB 375 CHAU Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 2, 2017 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| . . . | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Access Humboldt | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Acxiom Corporation | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Advanced Medical Technology Association | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Advancing The Seed, Inc. | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Altice Group | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| american advertising federation | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| American Association Of Advertising Agencies | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| American Civil Liberties Union of California | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| American Express | * Support | Aug 31, 2018 |
| American Insurance Association | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Los Angeles | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Asian Food Trade Association | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Asian Journal Publications, Inc. | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Association Of California Life & Health Companies | ** Against | Jun 27, 2018 |
| Association Of California Life And Health Insurance Companies | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Association of National Advertisers | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| At&T | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Auto Alliance | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Bay Area Council | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Brea Chamber of Commerce | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Calegislation | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| California Alliance For Retired Americans | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| California Association of Competitive Telecommunications Companies | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| California Association Of Licensed Investigators | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| California Bankers Association | * Support | Aug 31, 2018 |
| California Black Chamber of Commerce | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| California Broadcasters Association | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| California Building Industry Association and CalChamber | * Against | Jun 26, 2018 |
| California Business Properties Association | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| California Cable and Telecommunications Association | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| California Center for Rural Policy | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| California Chamber Of Commerce | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| California Communications Association | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| California Community Banking Network | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| California Credit Union League | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| California Grocers Association | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| California Hospital Association | * Support | Aug 31, 2018 |
| California Justice Association of California | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| California Land Title Association | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| California Latino Leadership Institute | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| California Life Scientists Association | * Against Unless Amend | Jun 26, 2018 |
| California Low-Income Consumer Coalition | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| California Manufacturers And Technology Association | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| California Medical Association | * Support | Aug 31, 2018 |
| California Mortgage Bankers Association | * Support | Aug 31, 2018 |
| California News Publishers Association | * Against | Jun 26, 2018 |
| California Restaurant Association | ** Against | Jun 27, 2018 |
| California Retailers Association | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| California State Association Of Electrical Workers | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| California State Sheriffs Association | ** Against | Mar 24, 2017 |
| California State Sheriffs' Association | ** Against | Mar 24, 2017 |
| Californians For Consumer Privacy | * Support | Aug 31, 2018 |
| CALPIRG | ** Support | Jun 27, 2018 |
| Camarillo Chamber of Commerce | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Cambodian-American Chamber Of Commerce | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| campaign for a commercial-free childhood | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Card Coalition | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Center for Democracy & Technology | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| center for digital democracy | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Center for Humane Technology | ** Support | Jun 27, 2018 |
| Center for Media Justice | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Charter Communications | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Children'S Resource Network Of The Central Coast | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Chinese American Community Affairs Council | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| City and County of San Francisco | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Civil Justice Association | * Against Unless Amend | Jun 26, 2018 |
| Color of Change | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Comcast | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Common Sense Kids Action | ** Support | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Common Sense Media | * Support | Jun 26, 2018 |
| Comptia | * Support | Aug 31, 2018 |
| Computing Technology Industry Association | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Consolidated Communications Inc. | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Consumer Action | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| consumer assistance council | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Consumer Attorneys Of California | ** Support | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Consumer Data Industry Association | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Consumer Federation of America | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Consumer Federation Of California | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Consumer Watchdog | ** Support | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Consumers Union | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| COR Community Development Corporation | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Cox Communications Inc. | * Against | Jun 26, 2018 |
| Cox Enterprises | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| CREDO MOBILE | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| cruzio internet | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Data & Marketing Association | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| digital privacy alliance | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Ebw Foundation | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Electronic Frontier Foundation | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Entertainment Software Association | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Every Community Matters Corporation | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 | |
| FCC | * Support | Jul 18, 2017 |
| Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Friends Of The Chinese American Museum | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Frontier Communications | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Giant Union Co. Inc. | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Golden Pacific Foods Inc. | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 | |
| Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| His Markit | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Hocean, Inc. | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Ihs Markit | ** Against | Jun 27, 2018 |
| Inland Empire Economic Partnership | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Instituto De Avance Latino Cdc | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Interactive Advertising Bureau | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| International Franchise Association | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Internet Association | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| internet coalition | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Jackie Speier, Member Of Congress | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| John Garamendi, Member of Congress | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Latino Coalition For Community Leadership | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Liberty Mutual | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Macedonia Community Development Corporation | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Maxine Waters, Member Of Congress | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Media Alliance | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Mediacom | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Mike Thompson, Member of Congress | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Motion Picture Association Of America | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| National Asian American Coalition | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| National Retail Federation | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Network Advertising Initiative | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| New America's Open Technology Institute | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| New Japan International, Inc. | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Oakland Privacy | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Oasis Center International | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Oath: | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| online trust alliance | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Open Technology Institute | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Orange County Business Council | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Oxnard Chamber of Commerce | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Pacific Association Of Domestic Insurance Companies | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| pacific internet | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Personal Insurance Federation Of California | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Pharmaceutical Research And Manufacturers Of America | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Privacy Rights Clearinghouse | * Support | Jun 26, 2018 |
| Property Casualty Insurers Association of America | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Public Law | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Public Law Center | ** Support | Jul 17, 2017 |
| Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Retail Industry Leaders Association | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Roxy Trading Inc. | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee | ** Support | Jul 17, 2017 |
| San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Satellite And Broadcast Communications Association | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Securities Industry And Financial Markets Association | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| Silicon Valley Leadership Group | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| sonic | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Southwest California Legislative Council | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Spiral Internet | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Sprint | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| state privacy and security coalition | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| T-Mobile USA | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Techna | * Support | Aug 31, 2018 |
| Technet | ** Against | Jun 28, 2018 |
| tekify | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| telnexus | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| TELUS | * Indeterminate | Jun 26, 2018 |
| The Center For Humane Technology | ** Support | Jun 28, 2018 |
| The Utilities Reform Network | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Tracfone | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| unwired ltd. | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| us congressman, 5th district, john garamendi | ** Support | Jul 17, 2017 |
| Verizon | ** Against | Sep 15, 2017 |
| wilson creek communications | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
| Yhs Trading, Inc. | ** Support | Sep 15, 2017 |
SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Senator Anthony Portantino, Chair
2017 - 2018 Regular Session
AB 375 (Chau) – Privacy: personal information: businesses.
Version: June 25, 2018 | Policy Vote: JUD. 5 - 0 |
Urgency: No | Mandate: No |
Hearing Date: June 28, 2018 | Consultant: Shaun Naidu |
This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File. However, it was referred to the Committee pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10(b), which only provides the option to (1) hold the bill, or (2) return the bill as approved by the Committee to the Senate floor.
Bill Summary:
AB 375 would grant consumers specified rights related to their personal information that is collected, shared, or maintained by a business.
Fiscal Impact:
- Department of Justice (DOJ): The department reports the following personnel, operating, and equipment costs (and positions) associated with the duties imposed by this bill: $139,000 (and 1.0 position) in the 2018-19 fiscal year; $6.72 million (and 57.0 positions) in the 2019-20 fiscal year; and $11.5 million (and 57.0 positions) annually thereafter. (General Fund)
- Court: Unknown, potentially-significant cost pressures to the court to adjudicate lawsuits filed by or on behalf of consumers against businesses who are alleged to have violated provisions of the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018. While the superior courts are not funded on a workload basis, an increase in workload could result in delayed court services and would put pressure on the General Fund to fund additional staff and resources. (General Fund*)
*Trial Court Trust Fund
Background:
The California Constitution provides that all people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy. Additionally, a business is statutorily-required to take all reasonable steps to dispose of customer records containing personal information and must comply with other requirements on a business relating to the custody of customer records containing personal information. A “customer” is defined as an individual who provides personal information to a business for the purpose of purchasing or leasing a product or obtaining a service from the business. “Personal information” is defined as any information that identifies, relates to, describes, or is capable of being associated with, a particular individual, including, but not limited to, his or her name, signature, social security number, physical characteristics or description, address, telephone number, passport number, driver’s license or state identification card number, insurance policy number, education, employment, employment history, bank account number, credit card number, debit card number, or any other financial information, medical information, or health insurance information but does not include publicly-available information that is lawfully made available to the general public from federal, state, or local government records.
Proposed Law:
This bill would:
- Grant a consumer the following rights:
- To request a business to disclose the categories and specific pieces of personal information that it collects about the consumer, the categories of sources from which that information is collected, the business purposes for collecting or selling the information, and the categories of third parties with which the information is shared.
- To request deletion of personal information.
- To request that a business that sells the consumer’s personal information, or discloses it for a business purpose, disclose the categories of information that it collects, the categories of information, and the categories of third parties to which the information was sold or disclosed.
- Require a business that collects a consumer’s personal information to do the following:
- To make disclosures about a consumer’s personal information that it collects and the purposes for which it is used.
- To delete a consumer’s personal information that it collects, upon receipt of a verified request.
- To provide the categories of personal information that it sold or disclosed for a business purpose and the categories of third parties to which the personal information was sold or disclosed, in response to a verifiable consumer request.
- Allow a consumer to opt out of the sale of personal information by a business.
- Prohibit the business from discriminating against the consumer for opting out, including by charging the consumer who opts out a different price or providing the consumer a different quality of goods or services, except if the difference is reasonably related to value provided by the consumer’s data.
- Allow businesses to offer financial incentives for collection of personal information. It would prohibit a business from selling the personal information of a consumer under age 16, unless affirmatively authorized (i.e., unless consumers opts in to the selling of their personal information).
- Prescribe requirements for receiving, processing, and satisfying these requests from consumers.
- Define “business” as:
- A sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, association, or other legal entity that is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of its shareholders or other owners, that collects consumers’ personal information, or on the behalf of which such information is collected and that alone, or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of consumers’ personal information, that does business in California, and that satisfies one or more of the following thresholds:
- Has annual gross revenues over $25,000,000, adjusted as specified.
- Alone or in combination, annually buys, receives for the business' commercial purposes, sells, or shares for commercial purposes, alone or in combination, the personal information of 50,000 or more consumers, households, or devices.
- Derives 50 percent or more of its annual revenues from selling consumers’ personal information.
- Any entity that controls or is controlled, as those terms are defined, by a business, as defined immediately above, and that shares common branding, as that term is defined, with the business.
- A sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, association, or other legal entity that is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of its shareholders or other owners, that collects consumers’ personal information, or on the behalf of which such information is collected and that alone, or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of consumers’ personal information, that does business in California, and that satisfies one or more of the following thresholds:
- Define “personal information” as information, excluding that which is publicly available, 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, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Identifiers such as a real name, alias, postal address, unique personal identifier, online identifier Internet Protocol address, email address, account name, social security number, driver license number, passport number, or other similar identifiers.
- Any categories of personal information described in Civil Code section 1798.80, subdivision (e).
- Characteristics of protected classifications under California or federal law.
- Commercial information, including records of personal property, products or services purchased, obtained, or considered, or other purchasing or consuming histories or tendencies.
- Biometric information.
- Internet or other electronic network activity information, including, but not limited to, browsing history, search history, and information regarding a consumer’s interaction with a website, application, or advertisement.
- Geolocation data.
- Audio, electronic, visual, thermal, olfactory, or similar information.
- Professional or employment-related information.
- Education information, defined as information that is not publicly-available personally identifiable information as defined in the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
- Inferences drawn from any of the information identified immediately above to create a profile about a consumer reflecting the consumer’s preferences, characteristics, psychological trends, preferences, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes.
- Prescribe various other definitions for purposes for the provisions of this measure.
- Prohibit the provisions described above from restricting the ability of the business to comply with federal, state, or local laws, among other things.
- Provide a private right of action in connection with certain unauthorized access and exfiltration, theft, or disclosure of a consumer’s nonencrypted or nonredacted personal information.
- Provide that a business is in violation of this bill if it fails to cure any alleged violation within thirty days after being notified of alleged noncompliance and that any business, service provider, or other person that violates is liable for a civil penalty, as specified, in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General. It would provide that the civil penalties must be exclusively assessed and recovered in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General.
- Provide that any person, business, or service provider that intentionally violates a provision of this bill is liable for a civil penalty up to $7,500 for each violation.
- Create the Consumer Privacy Fund in the General Fund with the moneys in the fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to be used to fully offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with the provisions of this bill. It would provide that the Legislature may appropriate excess monies in the fund, if the Director of Finance determines that there is an excess in the fund needed to fully offset the costs incurred by the court and the Attorney General, for other purposes.
- Provide that 20 percent of any civil penalty or proceeds of any settlement of an action brought by the Attorney General is required to be allocated to the Consumer Privacy Fund and that 80 percent to the jurisdiction on whose behalf the action leading to the civil penalty was brought. It would provide the legislative intent that the percentages specified be adjusted as necessary to ensure that any civil penalties assessed for a violation of this bill fully offset any costs incurred by the courts and the Attorney General in connection with this bill, including a sufficient amount to cover any deficit from a prior fiscal year.
- Require the Attorney General to solicit public participation for the purpose of adopting regulations, as specified, and would allow a business, service provider, or third party to seek the Attorney General’s opinion on how to comply with the bill’s provisions.
- Void a waiver of a consumer’s rights under the measure’s provisions.
- Make the provisions of the bill operative on January 1, 2020 and provide that the measure can become operative only if The Consumer Right to Privacy Act of 2018 initiative (No. 17-0039) is withdrawn from the ballot as specified.
Related Legislation:
SB 1121 (Dodd, 2018) would expand certain statutory protections related to records containing personal information, as defined, of a “customer” of a business to include records containing personal information of a “consumer.” It also would allow a consumer to bring a civil action in specified circumstances. SB 1121 is pending in the Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection.
SB 1196 (Jackson, 2018) would authorize a person whose personal identifying information has been used unlawfully in a business entity filing to petition a court for an order directing that the information be redacted or otherwise labeled as impersonated and requiring the removal of the personal identifying information from publicly accessible electronic indexes and databases. SB 1196 is pending on the Assembly floor.
AB 1859 (Chau, 2018) would require a consumer credit reporting agency that knows of a vulnerability that could compromise the security of personal information for which there is an update to address, to apply that update or be held liable for any resulting damages. AB 1859 is pending in this Committee.
AB 2678 (Irwin, 2018) would require the notification provided to a person affected by a breach, if the breach exposed or may have exposed specified personal information, to include, among other things, notice that the affected person may elect to place a security freeze on his or her credit report and an explanation of how a security freeze differs from identity theft prevention and mitigation services. AB 2678 is pending on the Senate floor.
AB 608 (Irwin, 2017) would prohibit consumer credit reporting agencies from charging fees in connection with placing or removing security freezes for protected consumers, defined as individuals who are under age 16, incapacitated, or under a county welfare or county probation department’s jurisdiction. AB 608 is pending in the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
AB 241 (Dababneh, 2017) would have required a public agency that is the source of a data breach, and is required to provide affected persons with notice of the breach, to provide at least 12 months of appropriate identity theft prevention and mitigation services at no cost to the affected persons. AB 241 was held on the Suspense File of the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.
AB 2043 (Committee on Banking and Finance, Ch. 521, Stats. 2006) authorized specified business entities that become the victims of identity theft to use debt relief protections available to natural persons who are victimized by identity theft.
AB 156 (Murray, Ch. 768, Stats. 1997) formally recognized identity theft as a crime, providing that it is a misdemeanor for a person to willfully obtain personal identifying information of another and use that information to obtain, or attempt to obtain, credit, goods, or services in the name of another person without the consent of that person.
Staff Comments:
The Department of Justice reports costs related to various new duties and responsibilities imposed on the department by this bill. With respect to the public right of action enforceable by the Attorney General, DOJ reports the need for 1.0 Supervising Deputy Attorney General (SDAG), 6.0 Deputy Attorneys General (DAG), 1.0 Legal Analyst (LA), and 5.0 Legal Secretaries. The department indicates that most of the increased workload would be driven in large part by the thirty-day timeframe within which DOJ would be required to investigate and potentially file actions. Within this timeframe, DOJ would need to immediately analyze the request, identify issues and alleged violations of law, including the initial factual and legal research to assess violations. Additionally, DOJ would have to communicate and meet with consumers submitting the public right of action request.
The bill allows any business or third party to seek an opinion from the Attorney General on how to comply with the provisions of AB 375. The department estimates the need of 5.0 DAGs and 1.0 Senior Legal Analyst (SLA) for an anticipated increase in workload to complete analyses of requests for opinions, identification of issues, initial factual and legal research to assess requests, multiple meetings and communications with the legal team, internal and external stakeholders, and for issuing opinions.
The department reports that it would need 1.0 SDAG, 5.0 DAGs, and 4.0 Legal Secretaries for anticipated increased workload related to the thirty-day curative period afforded by this bill to a business to attempt to remedy violations. Specifically, DOJ states that it would meet with target businesses regarding violations and prepare for litigation or ongoing monitoring. The department estimates at least thirty matters per year would fall in this category. Moreover, DOJ believes that there is a good probability that it would be required to litigate and consume resources in active court cases. The department estimates that there could be five cases a year that would need to be litigated, requiring the addition of 1.0 SDAG, 6.0 DAGs, and 4.0 Legal Secretaries. It is unclear to committee staff why the department would require these complements of staff to monitor businesses during the curative period and to litigate given the new personnel related to the public right of action that DOJ reports, above, needing to comply with this measure.
Furthermore, DOJ indicates that it would require 2.0 DAGs, 1.0 SLA, and 2.0 Legal Secretaries for the rulemaking process and the promulgation of regulations on an ongoing basis. The rulemaking also would require the services of expert consultants, estimated to cost $250,000 annually. This estimate would be highly dependent upon the number of complaints warranting investigation and the need for litigation experts. While the department notes its obligation to update the regulations periodically, committee staff questions the need for a permanent and full complement of new personnel and consultants for this purpose.
Additionally, DOJ reportedly would need 3.0 Associate Governmental Program Analysts and 2.0 Staff Service Analysts to assist with complaint intake and management and to provide administrative and investigative support and 1.0 ITS 1, Range C to provide ongoing project management and maintenance for a public-facing portal on the Attorney General’s website. Committee staff questions the need for new, permanent personnel to maintain the Attorney General’s website.
Lastly, the department anticipates that it would be required to defend the statute or regulations, if challenged, and to review the regulations during the promulgation process. It estimates that there will be multiple challenges and that costs would not be reimbursable from the fund created by the bill. Consequently, DOJ anticipates it would need 1.0 DAG and 1.0 Legal Secretary for this purpose.
Assuming DOJ costs hold true, and not factoring in any state court costs, the Attorney General would need to recover about $57.5 million annually in civil penalties and proceeds related to violations of this bill in order for the 20 percent allocation to the Consumer Privacy Fund to fully offset department costs. This measure, however, includes legislative intent that the Legislature may adjust the formula for distribution of proceeds to ensure that DOJ and state court costs are fully offset through enforcement of the provisions in AB 375.
The fiscal impact of this bill to the court cannot be known with certainty, as the actual impact will be dependent on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the frequency of alleged violations of the act, the complexity of alleged violations, if parties settle matters prior to litigation, and the factors unique to each case. It costs the court a little over $2,600, on average, in personnel and resources to adjudicate a limited civil case and over $11,600, on average, to adjudicate an unlimited civil case. Also, generally, it costs about $7,010 to operate a courtroom for one day. So if violations of the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 led to more than nineteen limited civil cases, more than four unlimited civil cases, or a few complex cases (such as class actions) that took longer than seven days that otherwise would not have been brought, the cost pressures of this bill to the court would surpass the Suspense File threshold.
-- END --
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 375
:
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: 5-2, 7/18/17
AYES: Jackson, Hertzberg, Monning, Stern, Wieckowski
NOES: Moorlach, Anderson
SENATE ENERGY, U. & C. COMMITTEE: 9-1, 7/18/17
AYES: Hueso, Bradford, Cannella, Hertzberg, Hill, McGuire, Skinner, Stern, Wiener
NOES: Vidak
NO VOTE RECORDED: Morrell
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: 5-0, 6/26/18 (Pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10)
AYES: Jackson, Hertzberg, Monning, Stern, Wieckowski
NO VOTE RECORDED: Moorlach, Anderson
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 6-1, 6/28/18
AYES: Portantino, Bates, Beall, Bradford, Hill, Wiener
NOES: Nielsen
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-0, 5/11/17 (Consent) - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Privacy: personal information: businesses
SOURCE: Common Sense Kids Action
DIGEST:
This bill provides consumers the right to access their personal information that is collected by a business, the right to delete it, the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to know whether and what personal information is being sold or disclosed, the right to stop a business from selling their information, and the right to equal service and price. Each right contains certain exceptions. This bill provides a modified, private right of action for data breaches and allows for enforcement by the Attorney General for other violations with a right to cure for businesses in violation, as specified.
Existing law:
- Provides, through the California Constitution, that all people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these is pursuing and obtaining privacy. (Cal. Const., Art. I, Sec. 1.)
- Regulates the information practices of various industries. Examples of such laws include the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (which regulates financial institutions), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (which regulates the health care industry), the state Confidentiality in Medical Information Act (protects information maintained by the health care industry), the California Financial Information Privacy Act (protects information maintained by financial institutions), the Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (protects student information on K-12 Web sites or applications), and the Insurance Information Privacy Act (protects information maintained by the insurance industry).
- Establishes the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act to provide protections and regulations regarding the collection of personal information from children under the age of 13. (15 U.S.C. Sec. 6501 et seq.)
- Provides that every telecommunications carrier has a duty to protect the confidentiality of proprietary information of, and relating to, other telecommunication carriers, equipment manufacturers, and customers, including telecommunication carriers reselling telecommunications services provided by a telecommunications carrier. A telecommunications carrier that receives or obtains proprietary information from another carrier for purposes of providing any telecommunications service shall use such information only for such purpose, and shall not use such information for its own marketing efforts. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222.)
- Provides, in the California Customer Records Act, requirements for the maintenance and disposal of customer records and the personal information contained therein. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.80 et seq.)
- Requires a business that owns, licenses, or maintains personal information about a California resident to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information, to protect the personal information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure and requires such businesses to contractually require nonaffiliated third parties to which it discloses such personal information to similarly protect that information. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.81.5(b), (c).)
- Requires a business to take all reasonable steps to dispose, or arrange for the disposal, of customer records within its custody or control containing personal information when the records are no longer to be retained by the business by shredding, erasing, or otherwise modifying the personal information in those records to make it unreadable or undecipherable through any means. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.81.)
- Requires, through the data breach notification law, any agency, person, or business that owns or licenses computerized data that includes personal information to disclose a breach of the security of the system to any California resident whose unencrypted personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person. The disclosure must be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, consistent with the legitimate needs of law enforcement, as specified. (Civ. Code Secs. 1798.29(a), (c) and 1798.82(a), (c).)
- Requires any agency, person, or business that maintains computerized data that includes personal information that the agency, person, or business does not own to notify the owner or licensee of the information of any security breach immediately following discovery if the personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person. (Civ. Code Secs. 1798.29(b), 1798.82(b).)
- Requires, among other things, that the privacy policy identify the categories of personally identifiable information that the operator collects about individual consumers and the categories of third-party persons or entities with whom the operator may share that information. (Bus. & Prof. Code Secs. 22575 & 22576.)
This bill:
- Establishes the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the Act) to become operative on January 1, 2020, contingent on the privacy initiative being withdrawn from the ballot pursuant to Section 9604 of the Elections Code.
- Provides that a consumer shall have the right to request that a business that collects a consumer’s personal information disclose to that consumer the categories and specific pieces of personal information the business has collected. Such business would be required to inform consumers as to the categories of personal information to be collected and the purposes for which the categories of personal information shall be used.
- Provides that a consumer shall have the right to request that a business delete any personal information about the consumer which the business has collected from the consumer. Upon such a request, the business would be required to delete the information from its records and direct any service providers to do the same, except as provided. This right to delete would need to be disclosed by businesses collecting personal information.
- Provides that a consumer shall have the right to request that a business that collects personal information about the consumer disclose to the consumer certain information, and the business shall disclose such information.
- Provides consumers the right to request a business that sells or discloses their personal information disclose certain information.
- Prohibits a third party from selling personal information about a consumer that has been sold to the third party by a business unless the consumer has received explicit notice and is provided an opportunity to exercise the right to opt out.
- Provides consumers a right, at any time, to direct a business that sells personal information about the consumer to third parties not to sell that information. Minors must consent to the sale of their personal information before a business can sell it.
- Prohibits discrimination against a consumer because the consumer exercised their rights under the bill. Such discrimination would include:
- denying goods or services to the consumer;
- charging different prices or rates for goods or services, including through the use of discounts or other benefits or imposing penalties;
- providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if the consumer exercises the consumer’s rights under this title; and
- suggesting that the consumer will receive a different price or rate for goods or services or a different level or quality of goods or services.
- Provides that the above provision does not prohibit a business from charging a consumer a different price or rate, or from providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if that difference is reasonably related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer’s data. It allows businesses to offer financial incentives and a different price, rate, level, or quality of goods or services to the consumer if that price or difference is directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer’s data. A business would be prohibited from using financial incentive practices that are unjust, unreasonable, coercive, or usurious in nature.
- Establishes procedures and timelines for complying with the Act’s requirements and requires businesses to disclose specified information in its online privacy policy.
- Provides definitions for the key terms used in the Act and the scope and limitations of its application.
- Provides that if the business does not take action on the request of the consumer, the business would be required to inform the consumer, without delay and at the latest within the time period permitted of response by this section, of the reasons for not taking action and any rights the consumer may have to appeal the decision to the business. The bill also allows a business to charge a reasonable fee or refuse to act on a request if it is manifestly unfounded or excessive, in particular because of its repetitive character. A business would have to notify the consumer of the reason for refusing the request. The business bears the burden of demonstrating that any verified consumer request is manifestly unfounded or excessive.
- Provides that any consumer whose nonencrypted or nonredacted personal information, as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 1798.81.5, is subject to an unauthorized access and exfiltration, theft, or disclosure, as a result of the business’ violation of the duty to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information to protect the personal information may institute a civil action to recover damages in an amount between $100 and $750 per consumer per incident or actual damages, whichever is greater; for injunctive or declaratory relief; or any other relief the court deems proper. The court is required to consider specified circumstances in setting the amount of the statutory damages.
- Provides that a consumer is authorized to bring such actions only if certain requirements are met, including:
- prior to initiating any action against a business for statutory damages, a consumer shall provide 30 days’ written notice with specified information. The business has a 30-day right to cure. If cured and the business provides express written assurances that no further violations shall occur, no action may be initiated against the business.
- a consumer bringing an action must notify the Attorney General within 30 days that the action has been filed; and
- the Attorney General, upon receiving such notice shall, within 30 days, do one of the following:
- notify the consumer bringing the action of the Attorney General’s intent to prosecute an action against the violation. If the Attorney General does not prosecute within six months, the consumer may proceed with the action;
- refrain from acting within the 30 days, allowing the consumer bringing the action to proceed; or
- notify the consumer bringing the action that the consumer shall not proceed with the action.
- Provides that a business is in violation of the Act if it fails to cure any alleged violation within 30 days. The Attorney General can seek civil penalties against violators. It provides guidelines for the disbursement of any such penalties assessed or settlements secured.
- Provides that on or before January 1, 2020, the Attorney General shall solicit public participation to adopt regulations to further the purposes of the Act.
Background
Consumers’ Web browsing, online purchases, and involvement in loyalty programs also create a treasure trove of information on consumers. Advanced technologies and the use of sophisticated algorithms can create eerily effective profiling and targeted marketing. Therefore, it is of no surprise that a recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 68 percent of American Internet users believe existing law does not go far enough to protect individual online privacy.
In response to these concerns, the proponents of the California Consumer Privacy Act, a statewide ballot initiative have been collecting signatures in order to qualify it for the November 2018, election. According to its Web site, the initiative “establishes new, groundbreaking consumer privacy rights.”
This bill integrates many of the elements of the ballot initiative to provide consumers certain rights over their information, with certain exceptions. Consumers would be provided significantly more control over their information and given a modified enforcement mechanism to protect those rights. It makes its operation contingent on the withdrawal of the initiative measure above and becomes operative on January 1, 2020.
Comments
The author states, “AB 375, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, ensures that consumers enjoy choice and transparency in the treatment of their personal information when accessing the Internet. Californians should have a right to choose how their personal information is collected and used. AB 375 is a significant step in providing consumers more control over their data.”
NOTE: For a more thorough analysis of this bill, please see the Senate Judiciary Committee analysis.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:
- Department of Justice: The department reports the following personnel, operating, and equipment costs (and positions) associated with the duties imposed by this bill: $139,000 (and 1.0 position) in the 2018-19 fiscal year; $6.72 million (and 57.0 positions) in the 2019-20 fiscal year; and $11.5 million (and 57.0 positions) annually thereafter. (General Fund)
- Court: Unknown, potentially-significant cost pressures to the court to adjudicate lawsuits filed by or on behalf of consumers against businesses who are alleged to have violated provisions of the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018. While the superior courts are not funded on a workload basis, an increase in workload could result in delayed court services and would put pressure on the General Fund to fund additional staff and resources. (General Fund*)
*Trial Court Trust Fund
Common Sense Kids Action (source)
Consumer Attorneys of California
Consumer Watchdog
The Center for Humane Technology
OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/28/18)
Advanced Medical Technology Association
American Insurance Association
Association of California Life and Health Insurance Companies
Association of National Advertisers
California Association of Licensed Investigators
California Bankers Association
California Business Properties Association
California Cable and Telecommunications Association
California Chamber of Commerce
California Communications Association
California Community Banking Network
California Credit Union League
California Grocers Association
California Hospital Association
California Land Title Association
California Mortgage Bankers Association
California Retailers Association
Card Coalition
CompTIA
CTIA
HIS Markit
Internet Association
Media Alliance
National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
National Retail Federation
Pacific Association of Domestic Insurance Companies
Personal Insurance Federation of California
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
Retail Industry Leaders Association
Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association
TechNet
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: Common Sense Kids Action, the sponsor of this bill, writes in support: “The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 will take the critical first step to protect the privacy of kids, families, and all consumers.”
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION: A coalition of businesses and organizations writes:
We appreciate the efforts that Senator Hertzberg and Assemblymember Chau have made to craft compromise legislation that would avert a significant ballot fight in November over the so-called “privacy initiative.” However, this process has left little room for meaningful policy negotiation with all stakeholders about a bill that stands to impact nearly every California business and consumer.
Since late last week negotiations have intensified with multiple versions of this bill being presented to some in the business community. We are now faced with a “take it, or leave it” scenario which is very problematic given that the business community overall has had little input to these negotiations.
Even more troublesome, the newest amendment expanding the liability in what is supposed to be the “data breach” section of this bill has nothing to do with privacy. It is merely another giveaway to trial lawyers in a bill already riddled with them.
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-0, 5/11/17
AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Travis Allen, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bigelow, Bloom, Bocanegra, Bonta, Brough, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Cervantes, Chau, Chávez, Chen, Chiu, Choi, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dababneh, Daly, Eggman, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gomez, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wood, Rendon
NO VOTE RECORDED: Dahle, O'Donnell, Patterson
6/28/18 9:06:57
**** END ****
Date of Hearing: June 27, 2017
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON PRIVACY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
Ed Chau, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 375 (
Author:Chau and Hertzberg) – As Amended Ver:June 25, 2018
INFORMATIONAL HEARING
SUBJECT: Privacy: personal information: businesses
SUMMARY: This bill would, effective January 1, 2020, enact the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 to ensure, subject to certain exemptions, the privacy of Californians’ personal information (PI), as defined, through various consumer rights including: the right to know what PI is being collected about them and whether their PI is being sold and to whom; the right to access their PI; the right to delete PI collected from them; the right to opt-out or opt-in to the sale of their PI, depending on age of the consumer; and the right to equal service and price, even if they exercise such rights. Specifically, this bill would:
Right of Access
- Provide a consumer the right to request that a business that collects a consumer’s PI disclose to that consumer the categories and specific pieces of PI the business has collected.
- Require a business that collects a consumer’s PI to inform consumers, as specified, as to the categories of PI to be collected and the purposes for which the categories of PI will be used. Would prohibit a business from collecting additional categories of PI or using PI collected for additional purposes without providing the consumer specified notice.
- Require a business to provide, no more than twice in a 12 month period, the information specified above, to a consumer only upon receipt of a verifiable consumer request, as defined. More specifically, would require a business that receives a verifiable consumer request to promptly take steps to disclose and deliver, free of charge to the consumer, the PI required, as specified.
- Specify that the above provisions relating to the consumer’s right to access their PI shall not require a business to retain any PI collected for a single, one-time transaction, if such information is not sold or retained by the business, or to reidentify or otherwise link information that is not maintained in a manner that would be considered PI.
Right of Deletion
- Provide a consumer the right to request that a business delete any PI about the consumer which the business has collected from the consumer, and require a business that collects PI about consumers disclose, as specified, the consumer’s rights to request the deletion of the consumer’s PI.
- Require a business that receives a verifiable request from a consumer to delete the consumer’s PI, to delete the consumer’s PI from its records and direct any service providers to delete the consumer’s PI from their records.
- Specify that a business or a service provider is not required to comply with a consumer’s request to delete the consumer’s PI if it is necessary for the business or service provider to maintain the consumer’s PI in order to do various acts, including, among other things, to:
- complete the transaction for which the PI was collected, provide a good or service requested by the consumer, or reasonably anticipated within the context of a business’s ongoing business relationship with the consumer, or otherwise perform a contract between the business and the consumer;
- detect security incidents, protect against malicious, deceptive, fraudulent, or illegal activity; or prosecute those responsible for that activity;
- exercise free speech, ensure the right of another consumer to exercise his or her right of free speech, or exercise another right provided for by law;
- engage in public or peer-reviewed scientific, historical, or statistical research in the public interest that adheres to all other applicable ethics and privacy laws, when the businesses’ deletion of the information is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of such research, if the consumer has provided informed consent;
- comply with a legal obligation; or
- otherwise use the consumer’s PI, internally, in a lawful manner that is compatible with the context in which the consumer provided the information.
Right to Know What PI is Collected
- Provide a consumer the right to request that a business that collects PI about the consumer disclose to the consumer the following: (1) the categories of PI it has collected about that consumer; (2) the categories of sources from which the PI is collected; (3) the business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling PI; (4) the categories of third parties with whom the business shares PI; and (5) the specific pieces of PI it has collected about that consumer.
- Require a business that collects PI about a consumer to disclose to the consumer, as specified, the information above, upon receipt of a verifiable request from the consumer.
- Specify that these provisions relating to the right to request what PI is collected about the consumer do not require a business to do the following:
- retain any PI about a consumer collected for a single one-time transaction if, in the ordinary course of business, that information about the consumer is not retained; or
- reidentify or otherwise link any data that, in the ordinary course of business, is not maintained in a manner that would be considered PI.
Right to Know Whether PI is Sold
- Provide a consumer the right to request that a business that sells the consumer’s PI, or that discloses it for a business purpose, disclose to that consumer: (1) the categories of PI that the business collected about the consumer; (2) the categories of PI that the business sold about the consumer and the categories of third parties to whom the PI was sold, by category or categories of PI for each third party to whom the PI was sold; and (3) the categories of PI that the business disclosed about the consumer for a business purpose.
- Require a business that sells PI about a consumer, or that discloses a consumer’s PI for a business purpose, to disclose, as specified, the above information to the consumer upon receipt of a verifiable request from the consumer.
- Require a business that sells consumers’ PI, or that discloses consumers’ PI for a business purpose, to disclose, as specified: (1) the category or categories of consumers’ PI it has sold, or if the business has not sold consumers’ PI, to disclose that fact; and (2) the category or categories of consumers’ PI it has disclosed for a business purpose, or if the business has not disclosed the consumers’ PI for a business purpose, to disclose that fact.
- Prohibit a third party from selling PI about a consumer that has been sold to the third party by a business unless the consumer has received explicit notice and is provided an opportunity to exercise the right to opt-out pursuant to the provisions below.
Right to Opt-Out or Opt-In
- Provide a consumer the right, at any time, to direct a business that sells PI about the consumer to third parties not to sell the consumer’s PI. This right may be referred to as the “right to opt-out.”
- Prohibit, notwithstanding the above, a business from selling a consumer’s PI if the business has actual knowledge that the consumer is less than 16 years of age, unless the consumer, in the case of consumers between 13 and 16 years of age, or the consumer’s parent or guardian, in the case of consumers who are less than 13 years of age, has affirmatively authorized the sale of the consumer’s PI. A business that willfully disregards the consumer’s age will be deemed to have had actual knowledge of the consumer’s age. This right may be referred to as the “right to opt-in.”
- Require a business that sells consumers’ PI to third parties to provide notice to consumers, as specified, that this information may be sold and that consumers have the right to opt-out of the sale of their PI.
Right of Equal Service
- Prohibit a business from discriminating against a consumer because the consumer exercised any of the consumer’s rights under this bill, such as by charging different prices or rates, or providing a different level or quality of goods or services.
- Provide that nothing in the provision above prohibits a business from charging a consumer a different price or rate, or from providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if that difference is reasonably related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer’s data.
- Authorize a business to offer financial incentives, including payments to consumers as compensation, for the collection, sale, or deletion of PI. Would further authorize a business to offer a different price, rate, level, or quality of goods or services to the consumer if that price or difference is directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer’s data. This authorization would be subject to specific notice requirements and conditioned upon the consumer providing prior opt-in consent, as specified, which may be revoked by the consumer at any time.
- Prohibit a business from using financial incentive practices that are unjust, unreasonable, coercive, or usurious in nature.
Compliance
- Specify the notice requirements that must be met in order for a business to comply with the above requirements. All notices must be in a form that is reasonably accessible to consumers, and include, among other things:
- Making available to consumers two or more designated methods for submitting requests for information required to be disclosed pursuant to the provisions relating to the consumer’s rights to know what information is collected and/or sold about them, including a toll-free telephone number, and a website address, if available.
- Disclosing and delivering the required information to a consumer free of charge within 45 days of receiving a verifiable request from the consumer, as specified, though this time period may be extended once by an additional 45 days when reasonably necessary, provided the consumer is provided notice of the extension within the first 45-day period, in a specified manner. A consumer cannot be required to create an account with the business in order to make a verifiable request.
- Require a business that must comply with the section relating to the consumer’s right to opt-in or opt-out to do the following, among other things, in a form that is reasonably accessible to consumers:
- Provide a clear and conspicuous link on the business’s internet homepage, titled “Do Not Sell My Personal Information,” to an internet webpage that enables a consumer, as specified, to opt-out of the sale of the consumer’s PI.
- Include a description of a consumer’s rights to opt-in or out, as specified, along with a separate link to the “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” internet webpage in its online privacy policy, if applicable, and any California-specific description of consumers’ privacy rights.
- For a consumer who has opted out of the sale of the consumer’s PI, respect the consumer’s decision to opt-out for at least 12 months before requesting that the consumer authorize the sale of the consumer’s PI.
- Allow a consumer to authorize another person solely to opt-out of the sale of the consumer’s PI on the consumer’s behalf, and would require a business to comply with such a request, pursuant to regulations adopted by the Attorney General (AG).
Definitions
- Define various terms for these purposes, including, among other things:
- “Business” to mean a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, association, or other legal entity that is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of its shareholders or other owners, that collects consumers’ PI, or on the behalf of which such information is collected and that alone, or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of consumers’ PI, that does business in California, and that satisfies one or more of the following thresholds:
- Has annual gross revenues in excess of $25,000,000, as adjusted as specified.
- Alone or in combination, annually buys, receives for the business’s commercial purposes, sells, or shares for commercial purposes, alone or in combination, the PI of 50,000 or more consumers, households, or devices.
- Derives 50 percent or more of its annual revenues from selling consumers’ PI.
- “Business” would also mean any entity that controls or is controlled by a business, as defined, above, and that shares common branding with the business, as specified.
- “Business purpose” to mean the use of PI for the business’s or a service provider’s operational purposes, or other notified purposes, provided that the use of PI shall be reasonably necessary and proportionate to achieve the operational purpose for which the PI was collected or processed or for another operational purpose that is compatible with the context in which the PI was collected. Business purposes are, among other things:
- auditing, as specified;
- detecting security incidents, protecting against malicious, deceptive, fraudulent, or illegal activity, and prosecuting those responsible for that activity;
- debugging to identify and repair errors that impair existing intended functionality;
- short-term, transient use, provided the PI that is not disclosed to another third party and is not used to build a profile about a consumer or otherwise alter an individual consumer’s experience outside the current interaction, including, but not limited to, the contextual customization of ads shown as part of the same interaction.
- performing services on behalf of the business or service provider, including maintaining or servicing accounts, providing customer service, processing or fulfilling orders and transactions, verifying customer information, processing payments, providing financing, providing advertising or marketing services, providing analytic services, or providing similar services on behalf of the business or service provider;
- undertaking internal research for technological development and demonstration; and
- undertaking activities to verify or maintain the quality or safety of a service or device that is owned, manufactured, manufactured for, or controlled by the business, and to improve, upgrade, or enhance the service or device that is owned, manufactured, manufactured for, or controlled by the business.
- “Collects” to mean buying, renting, gathering, obtaining, receiving, or accessing any PI pertaining to a consumer by any means. This would include receiving information from the consumer, either actively or passively, or by observing the consumer’s behavior.
- “Personal information” to mean 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. PI includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Identifiers such as a real name, alias, postal address, unique personal identifier, online identifier Internet Protocol address, email address, account name, social security number, driver’s license number, passport number, or other similar identifiers.
- Any categories of PI described in subdivision (e) of Section 1798.80 (see Existing Law, below).
- Characteristics of protected classifications under California or federal law.
- Commercial information, as specified.
- Biometric information.
- Internet or other electronic network activity information, including, but not limited to, browsing history, search history, and information regarding a consumer’s interaction with an internet website, application, or advertisement.
- Geolocation data.
- Audio, electronic, visual, thermal, olfactory, or similar information.
- Professional or employment-related information.
- Education information, defined as information that is not publicly available personally identifiable information as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
- Inferences drawn from any of the information identified in this subdivision to create a profile about a consumer reflecting the consumer’s preferences, characteristics, psychological trends, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes.
- “Personal information” would exclude publicly available information. For these purposes, “publicly available” would mean information that is lawfully made available from federal, state, or local government records, if any conditions associated with such information. “Publicly available” would not include biometric information collected by a business about a consumer without the consumer’s knowledge. Further, information would not be “publicly available” if that data is used for a purpose that is not compatible with the purpose for which the data is maintained and made available in the government records or for which it is publicly maintained. Lastly, “publicly available” would exclude consumer information that is deidentified or aggregate consumer information.
- “Sell,” “selling,” “sale,” or “sold,” to mean selling, renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, transferring, or otherwise communicating orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumer’s PI by the business to another business or a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration.
For purposes of this title, a business does not “sell” PI when, among other things:
- A consumer uses or directs the business to intentionally disclose, as specified, PI or uses the business to intentionally interact with a third party, provided the third party does not also sell the PI, unless that disclosure would be consistent with this bill.
- The business uses or shares an identifier for a consumer who has opted out of the sale of the consumer’s PI for the purposes of alerting third parties that the consumer has opted out of the sale of the consumer’s PI.
- The business uses or shares with a service provider PI of a consumer that is necessary to perform a business purpose if both of the following conditions are met: (i) the business has provided notice that information being used or shared in its terms and conditions, as otherwise specified under the bill; and (ii) the service provider does not further collect, sell, or use the PI of the consumer except as necessary to perform the business purpose.
Exemptions
- Provide for specified exemptions, which include, among other things, that:
- The obligations imposed on businesses by this bill shall not restrict a business’s ability to do the following:
- Comply with federal, state, or local laws.
- Comply with a civil, criminal, or regulatory inquiry, investigation, subpoena, or summons by federal, state, or local authorities.
- Cooperate with law enforcement agencies concerning conduct or activity that the business, service provider, or third party reasonably and in good faith believes may violate federal, state, or local law.
- Exercise or defend legal claims.
- Collect, use, retain, sell, or disclose consumer information that is deidentified or in the aggregate consumer information.
- Collect or sell a consumer’s PI if every aspect of that commercial conduct takes place wholly outside of California, as specified.
- The specified rights under this bill shall not apply where compliance by the business would violate an evidentiary privilege under California law and shall not prevent a business from providing the PI of a consumer to a person covered by an evidentiary privilege under California law as part of a privileged communication.
- This bill shall not apply to protected or health information that is collected by a covered entity governed by the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act under state law, or governed by the privacy, security, and breach notification rules issued by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, established pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Availability Act of 1996, as specified.
- This bill shall not apply to the sale of PI to or from a consumer reporting agency if that information is to be reported in, or used to generate, a consumer report as defined pursuant to federal law, and use of that information is limited by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.
- Specify that a time period for a business to respond to any verified consumer request may be extended by up to 90 additional days where necessary, taking into account the complexity and number of the requests. The business must inform the consumer of any such extension within 45 days of receipt of the request, together with the reasons for the delay.
- Specify that a business that discloses PI to a service provider shall not be liable if the service provider receiving the PI uses it in violation of the restrictions set forth in this bill, provided that, at the time of disclosing the PI, the business does not have actual knowledge, or reason to believe, that the service provider intends to commit such a violation. A service provider shall likewise not be liable for the obligations of a business for which it provides services as set forth in this bill.
- Prohibit this bill from being construed to require a business to reidentify or otherwise link information that is not maintained in a manner that would be considered PI.
- Provide that the rights afforded to consumers and the obligations imposed on businesses in this bill shall not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of other consumers.
Limited Private Right of Action for Data Breaches
- Provide for a limited private right of action, as specified. Specifically, would authorize any consumer whose nonencrypted or nonredacted PI, as otherwise defined under the state’s existing information security law, is subject to an unauthorized access and exfiltration, theft, or disclosure as a result of the business’s violation of the duty to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information to protect the PI, to institute a civil action for any of the following:
- To recover damages in an amount not less than $100 and not greater than $750 per consumer per incident or actual damages, whichever is greater.
- Injunctive or declaratory relief.
- Any other relief the court deems proper.
- Require the court, in assessing the amount of statutory damages, to consider any one or more of the relevant circumstances presented by any of the parties to the case, including, but not limited to, the nature and seriousness of the misconduct, the number of violations, the persistence of the misconduct, the length of time over which the misconduct occurred, the willfulness of the defendant’s misconduct, and the defendant’s assets, liabilities, and net worth.
- Require the following requirements to be met for actions to be brought by a consumer pursuant to this provision authorizing a private right of action for data breaches:
- First, prior to initiating any action against a business for statutory damages on an individual or class-wide basis, a consumer must generally provide a business 30 days’ written notice identifying the specific provisions of this bill the consumer alleges have been or are being violated. In the event a cure is possible, if within the 30 days the business cures the noticed violation and provides the consumer an express written statement that the violations have been cured and that no further violations shall occur, no action for individual statutory damages or class-wide statutory damages may be initiated against the business. If a business continues to violate this bill in breach of the express written statement provided to the consumer under this section, the consumer may initiate an action against the business to enforce the written statement and may pursue statutory damages for each breach of the express written statement, as well as any other violation of this bill that postdates the written statement.
- Second, a consumer bringing an action as defined shall notify the AG within 30 days that the action has been filed.
- Third, the AG, upon receiving such notice shall, within 30 days, do one of the following:
- Notify the consumer bringing the action of the AG’s intent to prosecute an action against the violation. If the AG does not prosecute within six months, the consumer may proceed with the action.
- Refrain from acting within the 30 days, allowing the consumer bringing the action to proceed.
- Notify the consumer bringing the action that the consumer shall not proceed with the action.
- Specify that nothing in this bill shall be interpreted to serve as the basis for a private right of action under any other law. This shall not be construed to relieve any party from any duties or obligations imposed under other law or the United States or California Constitution.
Attorney General Enforcement
- Provide authorization for any business or third party to seek the opinion of the AG for guidance on how to comply with the provisions of this bill.
- Provide that a business shall be in violation of this bill if it fails to cure any alleged violation within 30 days after being notified of alleged noncompliance. Any business, service provider, or other person that violates this title shall be liable for a civil penalty as provided in the Unfair Competition Law (UCL), as specified, in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the AG. Would further provide that these civil penalties shall be exclusively assessed and recovered in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the AG.
- Notwithstanding the civil penalties available under the UCL, as specified:
- any person, business, or service provider that intentionally violates this bill may be liable for a civil penalty of up to $7,500 for each violation.
- any civil penalty assessed pursuant to the UCL for a violation of this bill, and the proceeds of any settlement of an action brought pursuant to the provision above, must be allocated as follows, subject to adjustment:
- 20 percent to the Consumer Privacy Fund, created within the General Fund, as specified, with the intent to fully offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the AG in connection with this title.
- 80 percent to the jurisdiction on whose behalf the action leading to the civil penalty was brought.
Other provisions relating to Fund, Delayed Implementation, Preemption, and Construction
- Specify that this bill is intended to further the constitutional right of privacy and to supplement existing laws relating to consumers’ PI, as specified. The provisions of this bill are not limited to information collected electronically or over the internet, but apply to the collection and sale of all PI collected by a business from consumers. Wherever possible, law relating to consumers’ PI should be construed to harmonize with the provisions of this bill, but in the event of a conflict between other laws and the provisions of this title, the provisions of the law that afford the greatest protection for the right of privacy for consumers shall control.
- Require the AG, on or before this bill’s delayed implementation date of January 1, 2020, to solicit broad public participation to adopt regulations to further the purposes of this bill, including, but not limited to, the following areas:
- Updating as needed additional categories of PI to those enumerated, above, in order to address changes in technology, data collection practices, obstacles to implementation, and privacy concerns.
- Establishing any exceptions necessary to comply with state or federal law, including, but not limited to, those relating to trade secrets and intellectual property rights, within one year of passage of this title and as needed thereafter.
- Establishing rules and procedures for the following, within one year of passage of this bill and as needed thereafter:
- To facilitate and govern the submission of a request by a consumer to opt-out of the sale of PI, as specified.
- To govern business compliance with a consumer’s opt-out request.
- The development and use of a recognizable and uniform opt-out logo or button by all businesses to promote consumer awareness of the opportunity to opt-out of the sale of PI.
- Establishing rules, procedures, and any exceptions necessary to ensure that the notices and information that businesses are required to provide pursuant to this title are provided in a manner that may be easily understood by the average consumer, are accessible to consumers with disabilities, and are available in the language primarily used to interact with the consumer, including establishing rules and guidelines regarding financial incentive offerings, within one year of passage of this bill and as needed thereafter.
- Specify that:
- This bill shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.
- If a series of steps or transactions were component parts of a single transaction intended from the beginning to be taken with the intention of avoiding the reach of this bill, including the disclosure of information by a business to a third party in order to avoid the definition of sell, a court must disregard the intermediate steps or transactions for purposes of effectuating the purposes of this bill.
- Any provision of a contract or agreement of any kind that purports to waive or limit in any way a consumer’s rights under this bill, including, but not limited to, any right to a remedy or means of enforcement, shall be deemed contrary to public policy and shall be void and unenforceable, as specified.
- Include a delayed implementation date of January 1, 2020, a preemption clause, and a severability clause, as specified.
- Specify that the bill shall become operative only if a specified initiative measure, measure No. 17-0039, The Consumer Right to Privacy Act of 2018, is withdrawn from the ballot pursuant to existing law.
- Include various findings and declarations.
EXISTING LAW:
- Provides that, among other rights, all people have an inalienable right to pursue and obtain privacy. (Cal. Const., art., Sec. 1.)
- Establishes the information security law, which requires a business that owns, licenses, or maintains PI, as defined, about a California resident to implement and maintain “reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information,” to protect the PI from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.81.5(b).)
- Further requires a business that discloses PI about a California resident pursuant to a contract with a nonaffiliated third party that is not subject to the above provision to require by contract that the third party implement and maintain “reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information,” to protect the PI from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.81.5(c).)
- Defines personal information, for purposes of Section 1798.80 and the state’s data breach laws, generally, to mean: any information that identifies, relates to, describes, or is capable of being associated with, a particular individual, including, but not limited to, his or her name, signature, social security number, physical characteristics or description, address, telephone number, passport number, driver’s license or state identification number, insurance policy number, education, employment, employment history, bank account number, credit card number, debit card number, or any other financial information, medical information, or health insurance information. “Personal information” for these purposes, does not include publicly available information that is lawfully made available to the general public from federal, state, or local government records. (Section 1798.80(e).)
- Requires, under the Privacy Rights for California Minors in the Digital World, that an operator of an internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application that is directed to minors or that has actual knowledge that a minor is using its internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application shall do all of the following:
- Permit a minor who is a registered user, as specified, to remove or, if the operator prefers, to request and obtain removal of, content or information posted on the operator’s internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application by the user.
- Provide notice to a minor who is a registered user that the minor may remove or, if the operator prefers, request and obtain removal of, posted content or information, as specified.
- Provide clear instructions to a minor who is a registered user on how the user may remove or, if the operator prefers, request and obtain the removal of posted content or information.
- Provide notice to a minor who is a registered user that the removal does not ensure complete or comprehensive removal of the posted content or information. (Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 22581(a).)
- An operator or a third party is not required to erase or otherwise eliminate, or to enable erasure or elimination of, content or information in certain circumstances, such as where:
- Any other provision of federal or state law requires the operator or third party to maintain the content or information.
- The content or information was stored on or posted to the operator’s internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application by a third party other than the minor, who is a registered user, including any content or information posted by the registered user that was stored, republished, or reposted by the third party.
- The operator anonymizes the content or information posted by the minor who is a registered user, so that the minor cannot be individually identified.
- The minor has received compensation or other consideration for providing the content. (Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 22581(b).)
- Specifies that these provisions shall not be construed to require an operator of an Internet Web site, online service, online application, or mobile application to collect age information about users. (Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 22581(e).)
- Requires, under the California Online Protection Privacy Act (CalOPPA), that an operator of a commercial website or online service that collects personally identifiable information (PII) through the internet about individual consumers residing in California who use or visit its website or service to conspicuously post its privacy policy on its website, or in the case of an operator of an online service, make that policy available in accordance with specified law. An operator is only deemed to be in violation of CalOPPA if it fails to post its policy within 30 days after being notified of noncompliance. (Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 22575(a).)
- The privacy policy required above, must, among other things:
- Identify the categories of PII that the operator collects through the website or online service about individual consumers who use or visit its commercial website or online service and the categories of third-party persons or entities with whom the operator may share that PII.
- Describe the process by which the operator notifies consumers who use or visit its commercial website or online service of material changes to the operator’s privacy policy for that website or online service.
- Disclose whether other parties may collect PII about an individual consumer’s online activities over time and across different website when a consumer uses the operator’s website or service. (Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 22575(b).)
- Provides that an operator of a commercial website or online service that collects PII through the website or online service from individual consumers who use or visit the commercial website or online service and who reside in California shall be in violation of this section if the operator fails to comply with the provisions, above, or with the provisions of its posted privacy policy in either of the following ways: (1) knowingly and willfully; or (2) negligently and materially. (Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 22576.)
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS:
- Purpose of this bill: This bill seeks to enact the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 to further the privacy rights of Californians by providing consumers an effective way to control the collection and sale of their PI by businesses, service providers, and third parties. This bill is sponsored by Common Sense Kids Action.
- Author’s statement: According to the author, “Americans value their privacy, be it in the physical world or online. A 2014 PEW Research Center study found that 91% of adults agree that ‘consumers have lost control over how personal information is collected and used by companies.’ A subsequent study in 2016 found that “some 74% say it is ‘very important’ to them that they be in control of who can get information about them, and 65% say it is ‘very important’ to them to control what information is collected about them. The same study found that 64% of Americans believe that the government should do more to regulate what advertisers do with their personal information.
The unregulated and unauthorized disclosure of personal information and the resulting loss of privacy can have devastating effects for individuals, ranging from financial fraud, identity theft, and unnecessary costs to personal time and finances, to the destruction of property, harassment, reputational damage, emotional stress, and even potential physical harm.
The recent data breaches that have affected millions of people – those experienced by Target, Equifax, Cambridge Analytica, and many more – have also raised concerns from Internet users around the world. In fact, ‘a majority of Americans (64%) have personally experienced a major data breach, and relatively large shares of the public lack trust in key institutions – especially the federal government and social media sites – to protect their personal information.’
The prevalence of these occurrences and uncertainty about what data is being collected about individuals has drawn the ire of consumer and public interest groups, while the threat of restrictive regulation worries technology companies, many of which are headquartered in California and employ thousands of individuals here.
The Europe Union has recently enacted new privacy laws through its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is designed to give consumers more control over their data. California consumers should similarly be able to exercise control over their personal information, and should have reasonable certainty that there are safeguards in place to protect against the misuse of their personal information. It is possible for businesses both to respect consumers’ privacy and provide a high level of transparency with respect to their business practices.”
- Legislative effort to reach agreement obviating need for ballot initiative: This bill represents a legislative effort to reach an agreement on issues relating to the collection and sale of consumers’ PI by businesses, both online and otherwise, that are also the subject of an initiative measure which will otherwise be placed on this November’s ballot. As reflected in this bill, AB 375 would only take effect if the initiative is pulled from consideration from the ballot. It is the understanding of staff that the initiative may only be pulled up to 5 p.m. on June 28, 2018, through the Secretary of State’s office.
Given the shortened timeframe for the houses to consider this matter in light of the timing of the agreement reached between the authors and the initiative proponent and the “72 hour rule” enacted by voters by way of Proposition 54 in 2016 (generally prohibiting the Legislature from passing legislation that has been amended within the previous 72 hours before the vote), the informational hearing held today enables full testimony to be taken on the bill in policy committee for the Assembly.
- Bill expands upon rights that initiative would have attempted to establish: This bill seeks to strike an appropriate balance between a variety of competing interests between consumer and privacy groups on one side and the business, telecommunications, and technology industry on the other. The proponents of the initiative sought to ensure that the privacy rights of Californians were better protected with respect to certain business practices. The industry raised a number of concerns related to the initiative, including issues with workability, and a number of concessions have been made on both sides.
Specifically, AB 375 seeks to enact the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, operative beginning January 1, 2020, to generally ensure a person’s right to access their PI; the right to delete PI collected from them; right to know what PI is being collected about them and whether their PI is being sold and to whom; the right to opt-out or opt-in to the sale of their PI, depending on age of the consumer; and the right to equal service and price. In contrast to the initiative, which includes many but not all of those same rights, this bill enhances various consumer rights and protections, by, among other things:
- Ensuring that consumers can access the PI that business collects about them, not just in terms of the categories of PI collected, but also with respect to the specific pieces of PI that the business has collected. Moreover, if this information is provided electronically, AB 375 ensures that the information must be in a portable and, to the extent technically feasible, in a readily useable format that allows the consumer to transmit this information to another entity without hindrance.
- Establishing the right of consumers to request the deletion of the PI that a business has collected from the consumer (as opposed to from other consumers, in order to protect First Amendment rights of those other consumers), subject to certain exceptions.
- Expanding the right of consumers to know what PI a business has collected about them to include the ability to find out not just the categories of PI collected, but also the specific pieces of PI that the business has collected about that consumer. Moreover, AB 375 grants the consumer a right to know the sources from which the PI is collected, as well as the business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling the PI.
- Addressing the PI of children separately from that of parents or guardians, as opposed to classifying all children’s information as a subcategory of the parent’s PI.
In addition to these items, AB 375’s provisions differ from the initiative measure by addressing the recent Cambridge Analytica situation head on (wherein the PI of at least 87 million Facebook users was harvested and used by a “third party” in an effort to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election), and clearly prohibiting third parties from further selling or disclosing information received from a business unless the third party complies with the provisions of this bill.
Staff notes that yet another significant difference between this bill and the initiative is that the “publicly available” exception to PI in this bill excludes language from the initiative which states that publicly available information (and thus, not “PI” under the initiative) is information that is “available to the general public.” This difference should remove any doubt that information about individuals, and particularly younger generations, that is not privately held, whether by that individual’s choice or not (e.g., information found on a person’s social media posts or the posts of their friends) is not “publicly available” and, thus, exempt from the definition of PI. To exclude such information from the definition of PI could have significant unintended consequences and could very well result in litigation to determine whether or not certain information is “available to the general public” or not.
- Limited private right of action and other changes to the initiative to address industry concerns: As discussed in Comment 4, above, in order to reach a legislative compromise on the issues surrounding the collection and sale of a consumer’s PI by a business, the authors of this legislation have sought to both add protections to the initiative, and remove various provisions that raised workability issues/legitimate business practice concerns and otherwise limit liability exposure. The tradeoffs to address industry concerns and counterbalance the consumer rights added within this bill, include the following:
- the removal of the initiative’s whistleblower provisions;
- a significant reduction of business’ liability exposure pursuant to consumer-initiated actions;
- a right to cure, when possible, both in the public and private enforcement provisions;
- a limitation of public enforcement to actions by the AG and explicit authorization to receive guidance from the AG on compliance as the single regulatory entity;
- a recognition of the ability of businesses to engage in various research-related activities, such for internal research and development, or other allowable forms of research with specified safeguards that would both ensure informed consent and better protect the consumers’ information used in the research;
- additional express exemptions, such as to exercise or defend legal claims, or for PI collected, processed, sold, or disclosed pursuant to certain federal laws, if the handling of the PI is in conflict with that those laws.
- language clarifying that businesses are not required to retain PI in situations where they would not ordinarily maintain that information (which would also undermine consumer protections);
- authorization to engage in certain financial incentive programs, as specified, such as free subscription services in exchange for advertising where the value to the consumer is based on the consumer’s data, as long as the financial incentive program is not unjust, unreasonable, coercive, or usurious and is directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer’s data;
- a narrowing of the definition of “sell” to remove reference to situations that do not involve valuable consideration; and
- limit the obligation of businesses to reveal to consumers to whom the consumer’s PI was collected and shared with, or sold to or disclosed for a business purpose to, to “categories” of third parties, as opposed to specific third parties.
With respect to enforcement specifically, would create a limited private right action for consumers whose information is subject to specified data breaches, and would otherwise generally provide for enforcement of the rights and obligations of the bill by way of public enforcement by the AG. This limitation on the private right of action, however, does not relieve any parties from their duties and obligations under any other law or the constitution. As indicated above, the bill would also recognize the ability of businesses to seek guidance from the AG about how to comply with the provisions of this bill, to ensure a single enforcement/regulatory entity. To that end, the AG would also be charged with adopting regulations in furtherance of this bill. These regulations would include, among other things, regulations on the financial incentive programs authorized under this bill.
- Reconciling the prohibition against discrimination for exercising the consumer’s rights with the provision allowing for financial incentive programs: Similar to the initiative, AB 375 prohibits a business from discriminating against a consumer because the consumer exercised any of the consumer’s rights under the bill. Such discrimination may take the following forms, among other things: (1) denying goods or services to the consumer; (2) charging different prices or rates for goods or services, including through the use of discounts or other benefits or imposing penalties; (3) providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer; or (4) suggesting that the consumer will receive a different price or rate for goods or services or a different level or quality of goods or services. Unlike the initiative however, the bill specifies that nothing in the above provisions prohibits a business from charging a consumer a different price or rate, or from providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if that difference is reasonably related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer’s data.
In addition, the bill provides that a business may offer consumers financial incentives, including payments to consumers as compensation, for the collection, sale, or deletion of PI. A business may also offer a different price, rate, level, or quality of goods or services to the consumer if that price or difference is directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer’s data. The business, however, is prohibited from using financial incentive practices that are unjust, unreasonable, coercive, or usurious in nature. Additionally, the bill subjects businesses that offer financial incentives to consumers to various notice requirements, and specifies that a business may enter into a consumer into a financial incentive program only if the consumer provides prior opt-in consent which clearly describes the material terms of the program and which may be revoked by the consumer at any time.
Such provisions would authorize a business model by which consumers are allowed to elect to use free subscriptions in exchange for advertising or sign up for a paid subscription, such as with Spotify, for example. Ultimately, the bill anticipates that the AG will develop regulations by the time it becomes operative regarding financial incentive offerings which presumably will help reconcile these provisions to prevent discriminatory pay for privacy regimes.
- Bill compared with the European Union’s new GDPR: As discussed in Comment 4, this bill includes several elements that not included in the initiative. Many of those concepts are similarly addressed in the European Union’s privacy law, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which took effect in May of this year. Among these are: that a business has to provide a consumer specific information they have collected about the consumer; that minors receive special protections; that the consumer can request that a business delete PI that was collected from the consumer; and that the consumer has a right to data portability (or rather, the right to ask a business for access to the information that the business has collected about the consumer and to move that PI from one entity to another without hindrance).
- Clean up “trailer bill” presumably to follow: This bill includes a delayed implementation of January 1, 2020, to allow for businesses to prepare and for the Legislature to enact clean up legislation to correct errors in the drafting of this legislation, as well as clarify provisions further for stakeholders, if possible. Some stakeholders, including some of the opponents listed in this analysis, have written to identify corrections necessary. For example, the California Hospital Association (CHA) writes an “oppose unless amended” letter, stating that while AB 375 recognizes the myriad health information privacy laws and attempts to exempt health care entities, the bill’s current “exemption language is improperly drafted. CHA has provided to the author suggested amendments that would address the errors.”
- Arguments in support: In support, the Consumer Attorneys of California writes that AB 375 will “move California a step forward in protecting Californians’ constitutional right to privacy. In the aftermath of the Equifax scandal, Consumer Attorneys of California co-sponsored SB 1121 (Dodd) in order to incentivize the protection of consumer data and prevent future breaches. Although a much narrower and limited approach, AB 375 takes a positive step towards protecting consumers’ data.”
Consumer Watchdog writes in support of this bill because, while “AB 375 is not perfect [… it] is a substantial forward step for privacy protection in California.” Specifically, it writes:
AB 375 makes substantial steps toward providing real ways to protect our privacy rights. […] Importantly the bill provides for statutory damages and a right to private action in the event of a data breach. While there are some limits on the private action right, no provision for any private right of action exists in current data breach law. The bill provides business can’t deny service because you won’t allow information to be sold. They could charge more, but any such charge cannot be: “unjust, unreasonable, coercive or usurious.” Also, the difference in price or service must be “directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer’s data.”
Currently there are no protections that would ensure service if you refuse to have your data sold. Under AB 375, if a charge is levied, it will make the practice transparent so consumers understand what is at stake. Additionally, we expect the attorney general to implement regulations that will protect consumers from predatory practices.
The Center for Humane Technology echoes some of these points and adds, in support, that “CalCPA [AB 375] also establishes crucial protections for children under 16, who face new challenges as the first generation to grow up online and whose digital wellbeing will have a profound effect on their personal development. In recognition of the unique needs of kids in the digital age, CalCPA would require that children under 16, and parents or guardians for children under 13, must opt-in before a company can sell their personal information[.] When California[n]s are online, whether at school or at home, it is absolutely vital that their privacy is protected. CalCPA is an essential first step in ensuring the privacy of kids, families, and all consumers.”
CALPIRG writes a support if amended letter noting concerns about ensuring that companies do not engage in price discrimination and concern with the enforcement provisions, but is otherwise supportive given the provision allowing for a private right of action for data breaches included from SB 1121 (Dodd).
- Arguments in opposition: The California Cable & Telecommunications Association (CCTA) writes in opposition that “AB 375 is overly broad and would impose significant operational costs on businesses without significantly improving privacy for consumers.” To this end, CCTA identifies four specific issues with the bill:
- Personal Information Definition: arguing that the focus of this key definition should be, as it is in California’s Shine the Light and CalOPPA laws, on specific individuals, not on devices or households.
- Data Breach Safe Harbor: stating that “[t]he bill should include a safe harbor for entities that are subject to third-party security assessments, and have received certifications from, independent security assessment firms.”
- Arbitration Clauses: requesting clarity that this bill does not prohibit arbitration clauses in contracts.
- Data Portability Mandate: arguing that “such a requirement will be impossible for most businesses to achieve operationally, especially given the bill’s very broad definition of personal information.”
Also in opposition, the Media Alliance writes that it opposes “the last minute deal to rush through broadband privacy legislation prior to June 28th in order to remove the California Consumer Privacy Act from the fall ballot. We do this in spite of the fact that we are quite eager and in fact somewhat desperate for the Legislature to act on online privacy.” Media Alliance argues that this bill weakens the ballot initiative. Specifically, it raises issue with what it characterizes as “codifying price discrimination for privacy.” It also argues in opposition because of the narrowed definition of “sale” which eliminates application of the bill to the transfer any transfer of data for which valuable consideration has not been provided. Furthermore, Media Alliance objects to the consumer’s limited right of remediation under the narrowed private right of action.
A coalition of businesses and organizations in opposition, led by the California Chamber of Commerce, writes that:
[…] the business community is in an untenable situation. Although AB 375 is deeply flawed, the “privacy initiative” is even worse. The stakes are of this initiative are enormous because if the initiative is passed, then the Legislature will be virtually unable to amend the law in the future. So, at this late hour, we prefer the legislative process to the initiative process, which leaves very little room to amend or update this law for businesses and technology constantly evolving for the betterment of California.
The business community has been and remains interested in and dedicated to crafting reasonable privacy legislation. We strongly urge the Legislature to consider the numerous problems presented by this bill and to fix them as we move forward. These include, but are not limited to, the issues surrounding enforcement, definitions of personal information and sale, consumer transparency and access, the right to delete information, certain opt-in rights, the mandated ‘opt-out’ button, the creation of GDPR-like rights in language that differs from the GDPR, the Attorney General’s regulatory process, and confusing language that will be difficult for businesses and consumers to understand.”
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
Common Sense Kids Action (sponsor)
CALPIRG (support if amended)
Center for Humane Technology
Consumer Attorneys of California
Consumer Watchdog
Opposition
California Chamber of Commerce
Advanced Medical Technology Association
American Insurance Association
Association of California Life & Health Companies
Association of National Advertisers
California Association of Licensed Investigators
California Bankers Association
California Business Properties Association
California Cable & Telecommunications Association
California Communications Association
California Community Banking Network
California Grocers Association
California Hospitals Association (oppose unless amended)
California Land Title Association
California Mortgage Bankers Association
California Restaurant Association
California Retailers Association
CompTIA
CTIA
IHS Markit
Internet Association
Media Alliance
National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
National Retail Federation
Pacific Association of Domestic Insurance Companies
Personal Insurance Federation of California
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
Retail Industry Leaders Association
Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association
TechNet
Analysis Prepared by: Ronak Daylami / P. & C.P. / (916) 319-2200
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
CSA1 Bill Id:AB 375
Author:(Chau and Hertzberg)
As Amended Ver:June 25, 2018
Majority vote
ASSEMBLY: |
| (May 11, 2017) | SENATE: |
|
|
(vote not relevant)
Original Committee Reference: P. & C.P.
SUMMARY: Effective January 1, 2020, this bill enacts the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 to ensure the privacy of Californians' personal information (PI) through various consumer rights including: the right to know what PI is being collected about them and whether their PI is being sold and to whom; the right to access their PI; the right to delete PI collected from them; the right to opt-out or opt-in to the sale of their PI, depending on age of the consumer; and the right to equal service and price, even if the consumer exercises the aforementioned rights.
The Senate amendments delete the prior version of this bill enacting the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act (which would have prohibited internet service providers from refusing to serve a customer, or charging a customer a penalty, if that customer did not consent to the use or sale of his or her PI) and insert provisions enacting the California Consumer Privacy Act, which, among other things:
- Provides a consumer the right to request that a business that collects a consumer's PI disclose to that consumer the categories and specific pieces of PI the business has collected, no more than twice in a 12-month period, only upon receipt of a verifiable consumer request, as defined.
- Provides consumers the right to request the deletion of personal information collected from the consumer, and requires businesses to comply with such requests.
- Provides a consumer the right to request that a business that sells the consumer's PI, or that discloses it for a business purpose, disclose the following: a) the categories of PI that the business collected about the consumer; b) the categories of PI that the business sold about the consumer and the categories of third parties to whom the PI was sold, by category or categories of PI for each third party to whom the PI was sold; and c) the categories of PI that the business disclosed about the consumer for a business purpose.
- Provides a consumer the right to request that a business that collects PI about the consumer disclose the following: a) the categories of PI it has collected about that consumer; b) the categories of sources from which the PI is collected; c) the business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling PI; d) the categories of third parties with whom the business shares PI; and e) the specific pieces of PI it has collected about that consumer.
- Authorizes a consumer over the age of 16 to opt-out of the sale of PI by a business.
- Prohibits a business from selling the PI of a consumer who less than 16 years of age, unless the consumer (or the consumer's parent for children under 13 years of age) opts in to the sale of that information.
- Prohibits businesses from discriminating against a consumer for exercising his or her rights under this bill, such as by charging different prices or rates, or providing a different level or quality of goods or services. At the same time, authorizes businesses to offer financial incentives, including payments to consumers as compensation, for the collection, sale, or deletion of PI, as long as the financial incentive programs are not unjust, unreasonable, coercive, or usurious. Further authorizes a business to offer a different price, rate, level, or quality of goods or services to the consumer if that price or difference is directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer's data. These authorizations are subject to specific notice requirements and conditioned upon the consumer providing prior opt-in consent, as specified, which may be revoked by the consumer at any time.
- Provides for various exemptions from the bill, such as that the obligations imposed on businesses shall not restrict a business's ability to Comply with federal, state, or local laws; or exercise or defend legal claims.
- Provides for enforcement of the bill by the Attorney General (AG), and otherwise creates a narrow private right action for consumers whose information is subject to specified security breaches, both of which are subject to a right to cure, if possible. Under the private of action, specifies that nothing in this bill shall be interpreted to serve as the basis for a private right of action under any other law. This shall not be construed to relieve any party from any duties or obligations imposed under other law or the United States or California Constitution.
- Creates the Consumer Privacy Fund to support the purposes of this bill and its enforcement.
- Require the AG to adopt regulations, and authorize a business, service provider, or third party to seek the AG's opinion on how to comply with the bill's provisions.
- Includes a delayed implementation date of January 1, 2020, a preemption clause, and a severability clause, as specified.
- Specifies that the bill shall become operative only if a specified initiative measure, measure No. 17-0039, The Consumer Right to Privacy Act of 2018, is withdrawn from the ballot pursuant to existing law.
- Provides various definitions for these purposes, including that "PI" means: 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. PI includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Identifiers such as a real name, alias, postal address, unique personal identifier, online identifier Internet Protocol address, email address, account name, social security number, driver's license number, passport number, or other similar identifiers.
- Any categories of PI described in Civil Code Section (CIV) 1798.80(e) (see Existing Law, below).
- Characteristics of protected classifications under California or federal law.
- Commercial information, as specified.
- Biometric information.
- Internet or other electronic network activity information, including, but not limited to, browsing history, search history, and information regarding a consumer's interaction with an internet website, application, or advertisement.
- Geolocation data.
- Audio, electronic, visual, thermal, olfactory, or similar information.
- Professional or employment-related information.
- Education information, defined as information that is not publicly available personally identifiable information as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
- Inferences drawn from any of the information identified in this subdivision to create a profile about a consumer reflecting the consumer's preferences, characteristics, psychological trends, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes.
- "Personal information" excludes publicly available information. For these purposes, "publicly available" would mean information that is lawfully made available from federal, state, or local government records, if any conditions associated with such information. "Publicly available" does not include biometric information collected by a business about a consumer without the consumer's knowledge. Further, information is not be "publicly available" if that data is used for a purpose that is not compatible with the purpose for which the data is maintained and made available in the government records or for which it is publicly maintained. Lastly, "publicly available" excludes consumer information that is deidentified or aggregate consumer information.
- Includes various findings and declarations.
EXISTING LAW:
- Provides that, among other rights, all people have an inalienable right to pursue and obtain privacy. (California Constitution, Article I, Section 1.)
- Establishes the information security law, which requires a business that owns, licenses, or maintains PI, as defined, about a California resident to implement and maintain "reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information," to protect the PI from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. (CIV 1798.81.5(b).)
- Further requires a business that discloses PI about a California resident pursuant to a contract with a nonaffiliated third party that is not subject to the above provision to require by contract that the third party implement and maintain "reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information," to protect the PI from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. (CIV 1798.81.5(c).)
- Defines personal information, for purposes of CIV 1798.80 and the state's data breach laws, generally, to mean: any information that identifies, relates to, describes, or is capable of being associated with, a particular individual, including, but not limited to, his or her name, signature, social security number, physical characteristics or description, address, telephone number, passport number, driver's license or state identification number, insurance policy number, education, employment, employment history, bank account number, credit card number, debit card number, or any other financial information, medical information, or health insurance information. "Personal information" for these purposes, does not include publicly available information that is lawfully made available to the general public from federal, state, or local government records. (CIV Section 1798.80(e).)
- Requires, under the Privacy Rights for California Minors in the Digital World, that an operator of an internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application that is directed to minors or that has actual knowledge that a minor is using its internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application shall do all of the following:
- Permit a minor who is a registered user, as specified, to remove or, if the operator prefers, to request and obtain removal of, content or information posted on the operator's internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application by the user.
- Provide notice to a minor who is a registered user that the minor may remove or, if the operator prefers, request and obtain removal of, posted content or information, as specified.
- Provide clear instructions to a minor who is a registered user on how the user may remove or, if the operator prefers, request and obtain the removal of posted content or information.
- Provide notice to a minor who is a registered user that the removal does not ensure complete or comprehensive removal of the posted content or information. (Business and Professions Section (BPC) 22581(a).)
- An operator or a third party is not required to erase or otherwise eliminate, or to enable erasure or elimination of, content or information in certain circumstances, such as where:
- Any other provision of federal or state law requires the operator or third party to maintain the content or information.
- The content or information was stored on or posted to the operator's internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application by a third party other than the minor, who is a registered user, including any content or information posted by the registered user that was stored, republished, or reposted by the third party.
- The operator anonymizes the content or information posted by the minor who is a registered user, so that the minor cannot be individually identified.
- The minor has received compensation or other consideration for providing the content. (BPC 22581(b).)
- Specifies that these provisions shall not be construed to require an operator of an Internet Web site, online service, online application, or mobile application to collect age information about users. (BPC 22581(e).)
- Requires, under the California Online Protection Privacy Act (CalOPPA), that an operator of a commercial website or online service that collects personally identifiable information (PII) through the internet about individual consumers residing in California who use or visit its website or service to conspicuously post its privacy policy on its website, or in the case of an operator of an online service, make that policy available in accordance with specified law. An operator is only deemed to be in violation of CalOPPA if it fails to post its policy within 30 days after being notified of noncompliance. (BPC 22575(a).)
- The privacy policy required above, must, among other things:
- Identify the categories of PII that the operator collects through the website or online service about individual consumers who use or visit its commercial website or online service and the categories of third-party persons or entities with whom the operator may share that PII.
- Describe the process by which the operator notifies consumers who use or visit its commercial website or online service of material changes to the operator's privacy policy for that website or online service.
- Disclose whether other parties may collect PII about an individual consumer's online activities over time and across different website when a consumer uses the operator's website or service. (BPC 22575(b).)
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS:
- Author's statement: According to the author, "Americans value their privacy, be it in the physical world or online. A 2014 PEW Research Center study found that 91% of adults agree that 'consumers have lost control over how personal information is collected and used by companies.' A subsequent study in 2016 found that "some 74% say it is 'very important' to them that they be in control of who can get information about them, and 65% say it is 'very important' to them to control what information is collected about them. The same study found that 64% of Americans believe that the government should do more to regulate what advertisers do with their personal information. […]
The recent data breaches that have affected millions of people – those experienced by Target, Equifax, Cambridge Analytica, and many more – have also raised concerns from Internet users around the world. In fact, 'a majority of Americans (64%) have personally experienced a major data breach, and relatively large shares of the public lack trust in key institutions – especially the federal government and social media sites – to protect their personal information.'
The prevalence of these occurrences and uncertainty about what data is being collected about individuals has drawn the ire of consumer and public interest groups, while the threat of restrictive regulation worries technology companies, many of which are headquartered in California and employ thousands of individuals here."
- Bill expands upon rights that initiative would have attempted to establish: This bill represents a legislative effort to reach an agreement on issues relating to the collection and sale of consumers' PI by businesses, both online and otherwise, that are also the subject of an initiative measure which recently qualified for this November's ballot. As reflected in the bill, this bill only takes effect if the initiative is pulled from consideration from the ballot, which must be done by 5 p.m. on June 28, 2018, through the Secretary of State's office.
As amended in the Senate, this bill seeks to strike an appropriate balance between a variety of competing interests between consumer and privacy groups on one side and the business, telecommunications, and technology industry on the other. The proponents of the initiative sought to ensure that the privacy rights of Californians were better protected with respect to certain business practices. The industry raised a number of concerns related to the initiative, including issues with workability, and a number of concessions have been made on both sides.
Specifically, this bill seeks to enact the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, operative beginning January 1, 2020, to generally ensure a person's right to access their PI; the right to delete PI collected from them; right to know what PI is being collected about them and whether their PI is being sold and to whom; the right to opt-out or opt-in to the sale of their PI, depending on age of the consumer; and the right to equal service and price. In contrast to the initiative, which includes many but not all of those same rights, this bill enhances various consumer rights and protections, by, among other things:
- Ensuring that consumers can access the PI that business collects about them, not just in terms of the categories of PI collected, but also with respect to the specific pieces of PI that the business has collected. Moreover, if this information is provided electronically, this bill ensures that the information must be in a portable and, to the extent technically feasible, in a readily useable format that allows the consumer to transmit this information to another entity without hindrance.
- Establishing the right of consumers to request the deletion of the PI that a business has collected from the consumer (as opposed to from other consumers, in order to protect First Amendment rights of those other consumers), subject to certain exceptions.
- Expanding the right of consumers to know what PI a business has collected about them to include the ability to find out not just the categories of PI collected, but also the specific pieces of PI that the business has collected about that consumer. Moreover, this bill grants the consumer a right to know the sources from which the PI is collected, as well as the business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling the PI.
- Addressing the PI of children separately from that of parents or guardians, as opposed to classifying all children's information as a subcategory of the parent's PI.
In addition to these items, this bill's provisions differ from the initiative measure by addressing the recent Cambridge Analytica situation head on (wherein the PI of at least 87 million Facebook users was harvested and used by a "third party" in an effort to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election), and clearly prohibiting third parties from further selling or disclosing information received from a business unless the third party complies with the provisions of this bill.
Staff notes that yet another significant difference between this bill and the initiative is that the "publicly available" exception to PI in this bill excludes language from the initiative which states that publicly available information (and thus, not "PI" under the initiative) is information that is "available to the general public." This difference should remove any doubt that information about individuals, and particularly younger generations, that is not privately held, whether by that individual's choice or not (e.g., information found on a person's social media posts or the posts of their friends) is not "publicly available" and, thus, exempt from the definition of PI. To exclude such information from the definition of PI could have significant unintended consequences and could very well result in litigation to determine whether or not certain information is "available to the general public" or not.
- Limited private right of action and other changes to the initiative to address industry concerns: As discussed above, in order to reach a legislative compromise on the issues surrounding the collection and sale of a consumer's PI by a business, the authors of this legislation have sought to both add protections to the initiative, and remove various provisions that raised workability issues/legitimate business practice concerns and otherwise limit liability exposure. The tradeoffs to address industry concerns and counterbalance the consumer rights added within this bill, include the following:
- The removal of the initiative's whistleblower provisions;
- A significant reduction of business' liability exposure pursuant to consumer-initiated actions;
- A right to cure, when possible, both in the public and private enforcement provisions;
- A limitation of public enforcement to actions by the AG and explicit authorization to receive guidance from the AG on compliance as the single regulatory entity;
- A recognition of the ability of businesses to engage in various research-related activities, such for internal research and development, or other allowable forms of research with specified safeguards that would both ensure informed consent and better protect the consumers' information used in the research;
- Additional express exemptions, such as to exercise or defend legal claims, or for PI collected, processed, sold, or disclosed pursuant to certain federal laws, if the handling of the PI is in conflict with that those laws.
- Language clarifying that businesses are not required to retain PI in situations where they would not ordinarily maintain that information (which would also undermine consumer protections);
- Authorization to engage in certain financial incentive programs, as specified, such as free subscription services in exchange for advertising where the value to the consumer is based on the consumer's data, as long as the financial incentive program is not unjust, unreasonable, coercive, or usurious and is directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer's data;
- A narrowing of the definition of "sell" to remove reference to situations that do not involve valuable consideration; and
- Limit the obligation of businesses to reveal to consumers to whom the consumer's PI was collected and shared with, or sold to or disclosed for a business purpose to, to "categories" of third parties, as opposed to specific third parties.
With respect to enforcement specifically, would create a limited private right action for consumers whose information is subject to specified data breaches, and would otherwise generally provide for enforcement of the rights and obligations of the bill by way of public enforcement by the AG. This limitation on the private right of action, however, does not relieve any parties from their duties and obligations under any other law or the constitution. As indicated above, the bill would also recognize the ability of businesses to seek guidance from the AG about how to comply with the provisions of this bill, to ensure a single enforcement/ regulatory entity. To that end, the AG would also be charged with adopting regulations in furtherance of this bill. These regulations would include, among other things, regulations on the financial incentive programs authorized under this bill.
- Arguments in support: In support, the Consumer Attorneys of California writes that this bill will "move California a step forward in protecting Californians' constitutional right to privacy. In the aftermath of the Equifax scandal, Consumer Attorneys of California co-sponsored SB 1121 (Dodd) of the current legislative session in order to incentivize the protection of consumer data and prevent future breaches. Although a much narrower and limited approach, this bill takes a positive step towards protecting consumers' data."
Consumer Watchdog writes in support of this bill because, while "AB 375 is not perfect [… it] is a substantial forward step for privacy protection in California." Specifically, it writes:
AB 375 makes substantial steps toward providing real ways to protect our privacy rights. […] Importantly the bill provides for statutory damages and a right to private action in the event of a data breach. While there are some limits on the private action right, no provision for any private right of action exists in current data breach law. The bill provides business can't deny service because you won't allow information to be sold. They could charge more, but any such charge cannot be: "unjust, unreasonable, coercive or usurious." Also, the difference in price or service must be "directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer's data."
Currently there are no protections that would ensure service if you refuse to have your data sold. Under AB 375, if a charge is levied, it will make the practice transparent so consumers understand what is at stake. Additionally, we expect the attorney general to implement regulations that will protect consumers from predatory practices.
- Arguments in opposition: The California Cable & Telecommunications Association (CCTA) writes in opposition that "AB 375 is overly broad and would impose significant operational costs on businesses without significantly improving privacy for consumers."
Also in opposition, the Media Alliance writes that it opposes "the last minute deal to rush through broadband privacy legislation prior to June 28th in order to remove the California Consumer Privacy Act from the fall ballot. We do this in spite of the fact that we are quite eager and in fact somewhat desperate for the Legislature to act on online privacy." Media Alliance argues that this bill weakens the ballot initiative. Specifically, it raises issue with what it characterizes as "codifying price discrimination for privacy." It also argues in opposition because of the narrowed definition of "sale" which eliminates application of the bill to the transfer any transfer of data for which valuable consideration has not been provided. Furthermore, Media Alliance objects to the consumer's limited right of remediation under the narrowed private right of action.
A coalition of businesses and organizations in opposition, led by the California Chamber of Commerce, writes that:
[…] the business community is in an untenable situation. Although AB 375 is deeply flawed, the "privacy initiative" is even worse. The stakes are of this initiative are enormous because if the initiative is passed, then the Legislature will be virtually unable to amend the law in the future. So, at this late hour, we prefer the legislative process to the initiative process, which leaves very little room to amend or update this law for businesses and technology constantly evolving for the betterment of California.
The business community has been and remains interested in and dedicated to crafting reasonable privacy legislation. We strongly urge the Legislature to consider the numerous problems presented by this bill and to fix them as we move forward. These include, but are not limited to, the issues surrounding enforcement, definitions of personal information and sale, consumer transparency and access, the right to delete information, certain opt-in rights, the mandated 'opt-out' button, the creation of GDPR-like rights in language that differs from the GDPR, the Attorney General's regulatory process, and confusing language that will be difficult for businesses and consumers to understand.
In recognition of these concerns, this bill includes a delayed implementation of January 1, 2020, to allow for businesses to prepare and for the Legislature to enact clean up legislation to correct errors in the drafting of this legislation, as well as clarify provisions further for stakeholders, if possible. A number of stakeholders have written to identify necessary corrections.
Analysis Prepared by: Nichole Rapier and Ronak Daylami / P. & C.P. / (916) 319-2200 FN: 0003627
Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, Chair
2017-2018 Regular Session
Bill No: AB 375 (Author:Chau)
Version: June 25, 2018
Hearing Date: June 26, 2018
Fiscal: Yes
Urgency: No
Consultant: CK
SUBJECT
Internet service providers: customer privacy
DESCRIPTION
This bill provides consumers the right to access their personal information that is collected by a business, the right to delete it, the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to know whether and what personal information is being sold or disclosed, the right to stop a business from selling their information, and the right to equal service and price. Each right would contain certain exceptions. This bill would also provide a modified, private right of action, allowing for enforcement by the Attorney General, along with a right to cure for businesses in violation, as specified.
BACKGROUND
The world’s most valuable resource is no longer oil, but data. Companies regularly collect, analyze, share, and sell the personal information of consumers. Increasingly, the control by the larger Internet companies of this data has given them enormous power. With this widespread collection of data comes serious concerns about consumers’ privacy. The Cambridge Analytica scandal exposed the trove of data being collected by Facebook, the methods through which it was collected, and the potential for harm if that data is not properly protected. This is in addition to the collection of personal information by data brokers that collect it through various public and private sources, and package it for other businesses to buy. One example is Acxiom, a data broker that provides information on more than 700 million people culled from voter records, purchasing behavior, vehicle registration, and other sources. (Nitasha Tiku, Europe’s New Privacy Law will Change the Web, and More (Mar. 19, 2018) Wired <https://www. wired.com/story/europes-new-privacy-law-will-change-the-web-and-more/> [as of June 25, 2018].)
Currently, everything from toasters and baby dolls to televisions are connected to the Internet, gathering and using a wide range of information. This technology has limitless possibilities. Industry experts foresee a dramatic expansion in the years ahead with internet-connected household goods, including refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and thermostats. The CEO of Cisco has declared that IoT will generate $19 trillion in profits. (Kevin Maney, Meet Kevin Ashton, Father of the Internet of Things (Feb. 23, 2015) Newsweek <http://www.newsweek.com/2015/03/06/meet-kevin-ashton-father-internet-things-308763.html> [as of June 25, 2018].)
However, along with the promise IoT brings comes serious privacy and security concerns. Corporations are rapidly networking the physical world and gathering data from everything. Many of these devices collect a vast amount of personal and intimate information. If not properly secured, this immense amount of private information can be vulnerable to breaches. In addition, many of these devices can be directly hacked into, allowing strangers to conduct surreptitious surveillance on homes or to communicate through devices directly. Perhaps most disturbing, consumers may not even be aware of the full capabilities of these products or the information that is being collected. Recent research indicates that the number of devices will climb from 6.4 billion at the end of last year to 25 billion by 2020. (Tim Johnson, Why your next Echo command should be: “Disconnect me from the internet” (May 8, 2017) Sacramento Bee <http://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article148879664.html> [as of June 25, 2018].)
These concerns have manifested on a more regular basis in recent years as there have been various revelations of companies covertly collecting personal data through various means and using that data for various purposes. In 2017, Bose Corporation was accused of secretly collecting and sharing personal information through its Bluetooth wireless headphones. (Jeff Roberts, These Popular Headphones Spy on Users, Lawsuit Says (Apr. 19, 2017) Fortune <http://fortune.com/2017/04/19/bose-headphones-privacy/> [as of June 25, 2018].) Vizio was recently forced to pay a $2 million settlement for collecting users’ information without their knowledge, including tracking users’ habits. (Hayley Tsukayama, How to stop data collection on your Vizio (or other) television (Feb. 9, 2017) Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/ the-switch/wp/2017/02/09/ how-to-stop-data-collection-on-your-vizio-or-other-smart-television/?noredirect= on&utm_term=.73c048629c3b> [as of June 25, 2018].)
Consumers’ Web browsing, online purchases, and involvement in loyalty programs also create a treasure trove of information on consumers. Advanced technologies and the use of sophisticated algorithms can create eerily effective profiling and targeted marketing. Therefore, it is of no surprise that a recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 68 percent of American Internet users believe existing law does not go far enough to protect individual online privacy.
In response to these concerns, the proponents of the California Consumer Privacy Act, a statewide ballot initiative have been collecting signatures in order to qualify it for the November 2018, election. According to its Web site, the initiative “establishes new, groundbreaking consumer privacy rights. It empowers you to find out what information businesses are collecting about you and gives you the choice to tell businesses to stop selling your personal information.” The site presents its case:
The California Consumer Privacy Act will give you important new consumer privacy rights to take back control of your personal information.
This November 2018 ballot measure says: You have the right to tell a business not to share or sell your personal information.
. . .or at least you should. California law has not kept pace with changing business practices. Businesses not only know where you live and how many children you have, but also how fast you drive, your personality, sleep habits, health and financial information, current location, web browsing history, to name just a few things.
You have the right to know where and to whom your data is being sold or disclosed.
. . . but until you do, businesses will continue to use your personal information for their own purposes, including targeting you with ads, discriminating against you based on price or service level, and compiling your information into an extensive electronic file on you.
You have the right to protections against businesses who do not uphold the value of your privacy.
Passing the California Consumer Privacy Act will give you these rights. It’s your personal information. Take back control!
(Californians for Consumer Privacy, About the California Consumer Privacy Act <https:// www.caprivacy.org/about> [as of June 25, 2018].)
This bill would integrate many of the elements of the ballot initiative to provide consumers certain rights over their information, with certain exceptions. Consumers would be provided significantly more control over their information and given a modified enforcement mechanism to protect those rights. It would make its operation contingent on the withdrawal of the initiative measure above and would become operative on January 1, 2020.
CHANGES TO EXISTING LAW
Existing law, the California Constitution, provides that all people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy. (Cal. Const, art. I, Sec. 1.)
Existing case law states that legally recognized privacy interests are generally of two classes: interests in precluding the dissemination or misuse of sensitive and confidential information (informational privacy), and interests in making intimate personal decisions or conducting personal activities without observation, intrusion, or interference (autonomy privacy). (Hill v. National Collegiate Athletic Assn. (1994) 7 Cal.4th 1, 35.)
Existing federal and state law regulates the information practices of various industries. Examples of such laws include the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (which regulates financial institutions), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (which regulates the health care industry), the state Confidentiality in Medical Information Act (CMIA) (protects information maintained by the health care industry), the California Financial Information Privacy Act (protects information maintained by financial institutions), the Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA) (protects student information on K-12 Web sites or applications), and the Insurance Information Privacy Act (protects information maintained by the insurance industry).
Existing law establishes the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) to provide protections and regulations regarding the collection of personal information from children under the age of 13. (15 U.S.C. Sec. 6501 et seq.)
Existing law provides that every telecommunications carrier has a duty to protect the confidentiality of proprietary information of, and relating to, other telecommunication carriers, equipment manufacturers, and customers, including telecommunication carriers reselling telecommunications services provided by a telecommunications carrier. A telecommunications carrier that receives or obtains proprietary information from another carrier for purposes of providing any telecommunications service shall use such information only for such purpose, and shall not use such information for its own marketing efforts. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222.)
Existing law, the Information Practices Act of 1977, declares that the right to privacy is a personal and fundamental right protected by Section 1 of Article I of the Constitution of California and by the United States Constitution and that all individuals have a right of privacy in information pertaining to them. It further states the following legislative findings:
- the right to privacy is being threatened by the indiscriminate collection, maintenance, and dissemination of personal information and the lack of effective laws and legal remedies;
- the increasing use of computers and other sophisticated information technology has greatly magnified the potential risk to individual privacy that can occur from the maintenance of personal information; and
- in order to protect the privacy of individuals, it is necessary that the maintenance and dissemination of personal information be subject to strict limits. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798 et seq.)
Existing law, the California Customer Records Act, provides requirements for the maintenance and disposal of customer records and the personal information contained therein. It provides the following definitions:
- “business” means a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, or other group, however organized and whether or not organized to operate at a profit, including a financial institution, as specified. The term includes an entity that disposes of records;
- “records” means any material, regardless of the physical form, on which information is recorded or preserved by any means, including in written or spoken words, graphically depicted, printed, or electromagnetically transmitted. “Records” does not include publicly available directories containing information an individual has voluntarily consented to have publicly disseminated or listed, such as name, address, or telephone number;
- “customer” means an individual who provides personal information to a business for the purpose of purchasing or leasing a product or obtaining a service from the business;
- “individual” means a natural person; and
- “personal information” means any information that identifies, relates to, describes, or is capable of being associated with, a particular individual, including, but not limited to, his or her name, signature, social security number, physical characteristics or description, address, telephone number, passport number, driver’s license or state identification card number, insurance policy number, education, employment, employment history, bank account number, credit card number, debit card number, or any other financial information, medical information, or health insurance information. “Personal information” does not include publicly available information that is lawfully made available to the general public from federal, state, or local government records. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.80 et seq.)
Existing law states it is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that personal information about California residents is protected and to encourage businesses that own, license, or maintain personal information about Californians to provide reasonable security for that information. Existing law defines the terms “own” and “license” to include personal information that a business retains as part of the business’ internal customer account or for the purpose of using that information in transactions with the person to whom the information relates. The term “maintain” includes personal information that a business maintains but does not own or license. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.81.5(a).)
Existing law requires a business that owns, licenses, or maintains personal information about a California resident to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information, to protect the personal information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure and requires such businesses to contractually require nonaffiliated third parties to which it discloses such personal information to similarly protect that information. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.81.5(b), (c).) Certain entities are excepted, including specified financial institutions and businesses regulated by law providing greater protections. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.81.5(e).) “Personal information” for the purposes of these provisions, means either of the following:
- an individual’s first name or first initial and the individual’s last name in combination with one or more specified data elements, such as social security number, medical information, health insurance information, or credit card number, when either the name or the data elements are not encrypted or redacted; or
- a username or email address in combination with a password or security question and answer that would permit access to an online account. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.81.5(d).)
Existing law requires a business to take all reasonable steps to dispose, or arrange for the disposal, of customer records within its custody or control containing personal information when the records are no longer to be retained by the business by shredding, erasing, or otherwise modifying the personal information in those records to make it unreadable or undecipherable through any means. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.81.)
Existing law, the data breach notification law, requires any agency, person, or business that owns or licenses computerized data that includes personal information to disclose a breach of the security of the system to any California resident whose unencrypted personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person. The disclosure must be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, consistent with the legitimate needs of law enforcement, as specified. (Civ. Code Secs. 1798.29(a), (c) and 1798.82(a), (c).)
Existing law requires any agency, person, or business that maintains computerized data that includes personal information that the agency, person, or business does not own to notify the owner or licensee of the information of any security breach immediately following discovery if the personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person. (Civ. Code Secs. 1798.29(b), 1798.82(b).) “Personal information” for the purposes of these provisions, means either of the following:
- an individual’s first name or first initial and the individual’s last name in combination with one or more specified data elements, such as social security number, medical information, health insurance information, or credit card number, when either the name or the data elements are not encrypted or redacted; or
- a username or email address in combination with a password or security question and answer that would permit access to an online account. (Civ. Code Secs. 1798.29(g) and (h); 1798.82(h) and (i).)
Existing law requires businesses to either disclose to customers, upon request, what categories of personal information the business shares with third parties for marketing purposes, or provide customers with the ability to opt-out of having their information shared for marketing purposes. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.83.)
Existing law declares any waiver of the provisions of the California Customer Records Act contrary to public policy and void and unenforceable. It provides any customer injured by a violation of these provisions a civil right of action to recover damages and authorizes injunctive relief against such businesses. In addition, for a willful, intentional, or reckless violation of Section 1798.83, a customer may recover a civil penalty not to exceed $3,000 per violation; otherwise, the customer may recover a civil penalty of up to $500 per such violation. Businesses are granted a 90-day right to cure violations that are not willful, intentional, or reckless. A prevailing plaintiff is entitled to attorney’s fees and costs for suits commenced under Section 1798.83. These rights and remedies are cumulative to any other rights and remedies available under law. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.84.)
Existing law, the California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act (Civ. Code Sec. 1785.1 et seq.) and the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq.), require consumer credit reporting agencies to adopt reasonable procedures for meeting the needs of commerce for consumer credit, personnel, insurance, hiring of a dwelling unit, and other information in a manner which is fair and equitable to the consumer, with regard to the confidentiality, accuracy, relevancy, and proper utilization of such information. (Civ. Code Sec. 1785.1(d); 15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681(b).)
Existing law requires an operator of a commercial Internet Web site or online service (operator) that collects personally identifiable information through the Internet about individual consumers residing in California who use or visit the commercial Internet Web site or online service to conspicuously post, or make available, its privacy policy, as specified. An operator violates this provision if the operator fails to post its policy within 30 days after being notified of noncompliance. (Bus. & Prof. Code Secs. 22575 & 22576.)
Existing law states that no satellite or cable television corporation may provide any person with any individually identifiable information regarding any of its subscribers, including, but not limited to, the subscriber’s television viewing habits, shopping choices, interests, opinions, energy uses, medical information, banking data or information, or any other personal or private information, without the subscriber’s express written consent. (Pen. Code Sec. 637.5(a)(2).)
Existing law specifies that individual subscriber viewing responses or other individually identifiable information derived from subscribers may be retained and used by a satellite or cable television corporation only to the extent reasonably necessary for billing purposes and internal business practices, and to monitor for unauthorized reception of services, as specified. (Pen. Code Sec. 637.5(b).)
Existing law requires, among other things, that the privacy policy identify the categories of personally identifiable information that the operator collects about individual consumers and the categories of third-party persons or entities with whom the operator may share that information. (Bus. & Prof. Code Secs. 22575 & 22576.)
This bill would establish the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the Act) to become operative on January 1, 2020, contingent on the privacy initiative being withdrawn from the ballot pursuant to Section 9604 of the Elections Code.
This bill would provide that a consumer shall have the right to request that a business that collects a consumer’s personal information disclose to that consumer the categories and specific pieces of personal information the business has collected. The obligation to provide such information is only triggered upon receipt of a verifiable consumer request and is limited to no more than twice per year. Such business would be required to inform consumers as to the categories of personal information to be collected and the purposes for which the categories of personal information shall be used. A business shall not collect additional categories of personal information or use personal information collected for additional purposes without providing the consumer with notice consistent with this section.
This bill would provide that a consumer shall have the right to request that a business delete any personal information about the consumer which the business has collected from the consumer. Upon such a request, the business would be required to delete the information from its records and direct any service providers to do the same. This right to delete would need to be disclosed by businesses collecting personal information
This bill would provide that businesses are not required to delete information upon request where it is necessary for the business to maintain the consumer’s personal information for various purposes, including detecting security incidents; complying with a legal obligation; enabling solely internal uses that are reasonably aligned with the expectations of the consumer based on the consumer’s relationship with the business; or otherwise using the consumer’s personal information, internally, in a lawful manner that is compatible with the context in which the consumer provided the information.
This bill would provide that a consumer shall have the right to request that a business that collects personal information about the consumer disclose to the consumer certain information, and the business shall disclose such information, including the following:
- the categories of personal information it has collected about that consumer;
- the categories of sources from which the personal information is collected;
- the business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling personal information;
- the categories of third parties with whom the business shares personal information; and
- the specific pieces of personal information it has collected about that consumer.
This bill would provide consumers the right to request a business that sells or discloses their personal information disclose the following:
- the categories of personal information that the business collected about the consumer;
- the categories of personal information that the business sold about the consumer and the categories of third parties to whom the personal information was sold, by category or categories of personal information for each third party to whom the personal information was sold; and
- the categories of personal information that the business disclosed about the consumer for a business purpose.
This bill would prohibit a third party from selling personal information about a consumer that has been sold to the third party by a business unless the consumer has received explicit notice and is provided an opportunity to exercise the right to opt out.
This bill would provide consumers a right, at any time, to direct a business that sells personal information about the consumer to third parties not to sell that information. It would place a requirement on a business that sells consumers’ personal information to third parties to provide notice to consumers, as specified, that this information may be sold and that consumers have the right to opt out of such sales. Such businesses would be required to provide a clear and conspicuous link on the business’ Internet homepage, titled “Do Not Sell My Personal Information,” to an Internet Web page that enables a consumer, or a person authorized by the consumer, to opt out of the sale of the consumer’s personal information. For a consumer who has opted out of the sale of the consumer’s personal information, a business would be required to respect the consumer’s decision to opt out for at least 12 months before requesting that the consumer authorize the sale of the consumer’s personal information.
This bill would also provide that minor’s must consent to the sale of their personal information before a business can sell it. It would further provide that a business shall not sell the personal information of a consumer if the business has actual knowledge that the consumer is less than 16 years of age, unless the consumer, in the case of consumers between 13 and 16 years of age, or the consumer’s parent or guardian, in the case of consumers who are less than 13 years of age, has affirmatively authorized the sale. A business that willfully disregards the consumer’s age would be deemed to have had actual knowledge of the consumer’s age.
This bill would prohibit discrimination against a consumer because the consumer exercised their rights under the bill. Such discrimination would include:
- denying goods or services to the consumer;
- charging different prices or rates for goods or services, including through the use of discounts or other benefits or imposing penalties;
- providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if the consumer exercises the consumer’s rights under this title; and
- suggesting that the consumer will receive a different price or rate for goods or services or a different level or quality of goods or services.
This bill would provide that the above provision does not prohibit a business from charging a consumer a different price or rate, or from providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if that difference is reasonably related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer’s data.
This bill would authorize businesses to offer financial incentives, including payments to consumers as compensation, for the collection of personal information, the sale of personal information, or the deletion of personal information. A business would be required to notify consumers of the financial incentives in such a case. A business would be permitted to enter a consumer into a financial incentive program only if the consumer gives the business prior opt-in consent, which may be revoked by the consumer at any time. A business may also offer a different price, rate, level, or quality of goods or services to the consumer if that price or difference is directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer’s data. A business would be prohibited from using financial incentive practices that are unjust, unreasonable, coercive, or usurious in nature
This bill would set forth requirements for businesses to develop methods for consumers to exercise their rights under the Act, provide for procedures and timelines for complying with the Act’s requirements, and detail the methods for identifying consumers and associating information provided by them with information collected by the business.
This bill would also require businesses to disclose specified information in its online privacy policy, including a description of consumers’ rights, the methods for submitting requests, and lists of categories of information actually collected, sold, and disclosed by the business in the preceding year. Businesses would be required to inform the appropriate personnel of the requirements of the Act and how to facilitate consumers’ exercise of those rights.
This bill would provide definitions for the key terms used in the Act, including the following:
- “business” would mean specified, for-profit entities that collect personal information and that meet one of the following criteria: (1) annual gross revenues of over $25 million; (2) annually buys, receives, sells, or shares the personal information of at least 50,000 consumers, households, or devices; or (3) derives 50 percent or more of its annual revenue from selling such information;
- “collects” and similar terms would mean buying, renting, gathering, obtaining, receiving, or accessing any personal information pertaining to a consumer by any means. This includes receiving information from the consumer, either actively or passively, or by observing the consumer’s behavior.
- “consumer” would mean a natural person who is a California resident;
- “personal information” would mean 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. Personal information includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- specified identifiers, both online and off, such as a real name, alias, address, unique personal identifier, Internet Protocol address, email address, and other identifying numbers;
- any information that identifies, relates to, describes, or is capable of being associated with, a particular individual, including signature, physical characteristics or description, education, employment, employment history, or any other financial information, medical information, or health insurance information;
- characteristics of protected classifications under California or federal law;
- commercial information, including records of personal property, products or services purchased, obtained, or considered, or other purchasing or consuming histories or tendencies;
- biometric information;
- Internet or other electronic network activity information, including, but not limited to, browsing history, search history, and information regarding a consumer’s interaction with an Internet Web site, application, or advertisement;
- geolocation data;
- audio, electronic, visual, thermal, olfactory, or similar information;
- inferences drawn from any of the information identified in this subdivision to create a profile about a consumer reflecting the consumer’s preferences, characteristics, psychological trends, preferences, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes;
- “research” means scientific, systematic study and observation, including basic research or applied research that is in the public interest and that adheres to all other applicable ethics and privacy laws or studies conducted in the public interest in the area of public health. Research with personal information that may have been collected from a consumer in the course of the consumer’s interactions with a business’ service or device for other purposes must meet specified requirements;
- “sell,” “selling,” “sale,” or “sold,” would mean selling, renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, transferring, or otherwise communicating orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumer’s personal information by the business to another business or a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration.
This bill would make clear that the obligations imposed on businesses by the Act do not restrict a business’s ability to comply with the law or lawful orders; cooperate with law enforcement agencies concerning unlawful conduct or activity; exercise or defend legal claims; collect information that is deidentified or in the aggregate; or to collect or sell such information if the conduct takes place wholly outside of California. The obligations of the bill would not apply if they would violate evidentiary privileges.
This bill would also make clear that it does not apply to certain information collected by a covered entity governed by the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act or the Health Insurance Portability and Availability Act of 1996; information collected pursuant to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act or the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act of 1994. It would also not apply to the sale of personal information to or from a consumer reporting agency if that information is to be reported in, or used to generate, a consumer report.
This bill would provide certain timelines to respond to consumer requests with the ability to extend for specified reasons. If the business does not take action on the request of the consumer, the business would be required to inform the consumer, without delay and at the latest within the time period permitted of response by this section, of the reasons for not taking action and any rights the consumer may have to appeal the decision to the business. The bill would also allow a business to charge a reasonable fee or refuse to act on a request if it is manifestly unfounded or excessive, in particular because of its repetitive character. A business would have to notify the consumer of the reason for refusing the request. The business would bear the burden of demonstrating that any verified consumer request is manifestly unfounded or excessive.
This bill would immunize a business that discloses personal information to a service provider if the service provider receiving the personal information uses it in violation of the Act, provided that, at the time of disclosing the personal information, the business does not have actual knowledge, or reason to believe, that the service provider intends to commit such a violation. A service provider would likewise not be liable for the obligations of a business for which it provides services.
This bill would provide that any consumer whose nonencrypted or nonredacted personal information, as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 1798.81.5, is subject to an unauthorized access and exfiltration, theft, or disclosure, as a result of the business’ violation of the duty to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information to protect the personal information may institute a civil action to recover damages in an amount between $100 and $750 per consumer per incident or actual damages, whichever is greater; for injunctive or declaratory relief; or any other relief the court deems proper. The court would be required to consider specified circumstances in setting the amount of the statutory damages.
This bill would provide that a consumer is authorized to bring such actions only if all of the following requirements are met:
- prior to initiating any action against a business for statutory damages on an individual or class-wide basis, a consumer shall provide a business 30 days’ written notice identifying the specific provisions the consumer alleges have been or are being violated. The business would have a 30-day right to cure, where possible. If cured and the business provides express written assurances that no further violations shall occur, no action for individual statutory damages or class-wide statutory damages may be initiated against the business.
- a consumer bringing an action must notify the Attorney General within 30 days that the action has been filed; and
- the Attorney General, upon receiving such notice shall, within 30 days, do one of the following:
- notify the consumer bringing the action of the Attorney General’s intent to prosecute an action against the violation. If the Attorney General does not prosecute within six months, the consumer may proceed with the action;
- refrain from acting within the 30 days, allowing the consumer bringing the action to proceed; or
- notify the consumer bringing the action that the consumer shall not proceed with the action.
This bill would provide that any business or third party may seek the opinion of the Attorney General for guidance on how to comply with the Act.
This bill would provide that a business is in violation of the Act if it fails to cure any alleged violation within 30 days after being notified of alleged noncompliance. Any business, service provider, or other person that violates this title shall be liable for a civil penalty as provided in Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General. The civil penalties provided for in this section would be exclusively assessed and recovered in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General. Intentional violations of the Act would be subject to a civil penalty of up to $7,500 for each violation.
This bill would provide guidelines for the disbursement of any penalties assessed or settlements secured, with 20 percent going to the Consumer Privacy Fund, newly created by this bill within the General Fund, with the intent to fully offset any costs incurred by the state courts and the Attorney General in connection with this title.
This bill would provide that wherever possible, laws relating to consumers’ personal information should be construed to harmonize with the provisions of the Act, but in the event of a conflict between other laws and the Act, the provisions of the law that afford the greatest protection for the right of privacy for consumers shall control. It would supersede and preempt all rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, and other laws adopted by a city, county, city and county, municipality, or local agency regarding the collection and sale of consumers’ personal information by a business.
This bill would also provide that on or before January 1, 2020, the Attorney General shall solicit broad public participation to adopt regulations to further the purposes of the Act.
This bill would provide that if a series of steps or transactions were component parts of a single transaction intended from the beginning to be taken with the intention of avoiding the reach of this title, including the disclosure of information by a business to a third party in order to avoid the definition of sell, a court shall disregard the intermediate steps or transactions for purposes of effectuating the purposes of this title.
This bill would provide that any provision of a contract or agreement of any kind that purports to waive or limit in any way a consumer’s rights under this title, including, but not limited to, any right to a remedy or means of enforcement, shall be deemed contrary to public policy and shall be void and unenforceable. This section shall not prevent a consumer from declining to request information from a business, declining to opt out of a business’ sale of the consumer’s personal information, or authorizing a business to sell the consumer’s personal information after previously opting out.
This bill would contain a severability clause.
COMMENT
1. Stated need for the bill
According to the author:
AB 375, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, ensures that consumers enjoy choice and transparency in the treatment of their personal information when accessing the Internet. Americans value their privacy, be it in the physical world or online. A PEW research study in 2016 found that “some 74% say it is ‘very important’ to them that they be in control of who can get information about them, and 65% say it is ‘very important’ to them to control what information is collected about them. The same study found that 64% of Americans believe that the government should do more to regulate what advertisers do with their personal information. Californians should have a right to choose how their personal information is collected and used. It is consistent with the right of privacy enshrined in our constitution, and we as Legislators have an obligation to ensure privacy rights for online consumers. AB 375 is a significant step in providing consumers more control over their data.
Common Sense Kids Action, the sponsor of this bill, writes in support:
The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 will take the critical first step to protect the privacy of kids, families, and all consumers. This first-in-the-nation legislation would provide consumers with the following rights:
- The right to know what personal information is being collected about them;
- The right to know whether their personal information is sold or disclosed and to whom;
- The right to say no to the sale of personal information;
- The right to access their personal information; and
- The right to equal service and price if they exercise their privacy rights.
2. The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018
The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the Act), as established by this bill, would afford important rights to consumers to access and control their personal information. Each right would have certain exceptions that attempt to strike a balance between consumers’ fundamental right to privacy and the legitimate interests of the businesses that collect such information. The Act would define “consumer” to include all California residents, ensuring widespread consumer protection.
In addition, the bill would provide a fairly expansive definition of “personal information.” The definition would encompass the more obvious pieces of information such as name, address, and social security number. But also included within the non-exclusive list of what constitutes personal information is physical characteristics, biometric information, online identifiers, and Internet activity, including browsing and search histories and consumer interactions with Web sites, applications, and advertisements.
Even further, the bill would include the inferences that are drawn from the collection of these others pieces of data. Frequently, businesses draw their value from collected personal information by creating profiles of consumers reflecting their habits, patterns, preferences, political persuasions, and personalities and making inferences therefrom. The Attorney General would also be instilled with the regulatory authority to supplement the list as technologies advance. This thorough definition of what will constitute personal information makes the rights that would be provided by this bill, and that are discussed below, all the more significant.
Recently, a European privacy law went into effect that provides many of the rights afforded by the Act. It would provide that:
companies must be clear and concise about their collection and use of personal data like full name, home address, location data, IP address, or the identifier that tracks web and app use on smartphones. Companies have to spell out why the data is being collected and whether it will be used to create profiles of people’s actions and habits. Moreover, consumers will gain the right to access data companies store about them, the right to correct inaccurate information, and the right to limit the use of decisions made by algorithms, among others.
(Nitasha Tiku, Europe’s New Privacy Law will Change the Web, and More (Mar. 19, 2018) Wired < https://www.wired.com/story/europes-new-privacy-law-will-change-the-web-and-more/> [as of June 25, 2018].)
3. Right to access information
The first section of the Act provides consumers the right to access their information. Under this bill, consumers would have the right to seek disclosure of any of their personal information a business has collected, up to twice per year. At or before the collection of the information, businesses would have to inform consumers as to the categories of information collected and the purposes for which it will be used. Upon request, businesses would have to deliver the specific pieces of personal information the business has collected promptly and free of charge, including the categories of personal information sold for each third party to whom the personal information was sold. This would empower consumers to discover exactly what businesses are collecting on them, regardless of whether there is a direct relationship.
This section of the bill has two adjoining paragraphs that read:
(1) Retain any personal information collected for a single, one-time transaction, if the information is not sold or retained by the business.
(2) Reidentify or otherwise link any data that, in the ordinary course of business, is not maintained in a manner that would be considered personal information.
These paragraphs appear to be redundant, as similar provisions directly precede them.
4. Right to delete information
This bill would afford consumers the right to request deletion of any personal information a business collects. Businesses that collect personal information would need to disclose this right to delete to consumers. Again this would not be limited to businesses with which the consumer has a direct relationship.
Standing alone, this is a very broad right allowing persons to remove their sensitive data from any business’ systems. However, there are numerous exceptions to this requirement to delete. For instance, businesses are not required to delete the information if it is necessary for the business or service provider to maintain the consumer’s personal information in order to “[o]therwise use the consumer’s personal information, internally, in a lawful manner that is compatible with the context in which the consumer provided the information.” The breadth, and vagueness, of this exception could arguably limit the scope of this right to delete significantly.
In addition, concerns about First Amendment rights are commonly raised around the issue of providing a right to delete, most notably when the Europe passed the law discussed above. This bill would contain an exception specifically addressing this issue, although it does not necessarily provide the most guidance to businesses who need to comply. This could be one area where regulations could more thoroughly outline the parameters of this exception.
5. Right to know what information is being collected, whether it is sold or disclosed,
and to whom
This bill would provide consumers the right to request information about what types of information are being collected by a business, including the categories of information; the categories of third parties the information is shared with; and the specific pieces of information it has collected on that consumer. This would allow the consumer to be fully informed of what information is being kept by any business. The definition of “collect” would be fairly broad, as well. It would include information that a business receives passively, as well as actively, and even information that is obtained through simply observing the consumer’s behavior. This all-encompassing definition ensures this right, as well as others discussed herein, are significantly robust.
It would also require businesses that sell or disclose the personal information of a consumer to disclose certain information to that consumer, upon request, including the categories of information being sold and disclosed and the third parties to whom it is being sold or disclosed.
6. Right to opt out of the sale of personal information
Consumers would be given the right, pursuant to this bill, to opt out of the sale of their personal information. A business would have to abide by such a request and respect the request to opt out for 12 months before being permitted to request that the consumer authorize the sale of the consumer’s personal information.
It should be noted that the definition of “sell,” “selling,” “sale,” or “sold,” would include “selling, renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, transferring, or otherwise communicating orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumer’s personal information by the business to another business or a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration.” This definition makes some important changes from that in the privacy initiative. The privacy initiative provides the following definition for “selling”:
(A) selling, renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, transferring, or otherwise communicating orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumer's personal information by the business to a third party for valuable consideration; or
(B) sharing orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumer's personal information with a third party, whether for valuable consideration or for no consideration, for the third party's commercial purposes.
“Sell” as used in this bill would essentially delete this second section of the definition, importantly the sharing of the information for no consideration to a third party for that party’s commercial use. It is unclear why this change was made, but its effect would be that a consumer could not opt out of the sharing of their personal information with third parties, so long as there is not valuable consideration received.
As a strong transparency and consumer protection measure, the bill would place a requirement on any business that sells personal information of consumers to third parties to notify those consumers of the possibility of such sales and inform them of their rights to opt out of such sales. This affirmative requirement on businesses that sell personal information would serve strong policy goals to make consumers fully aware of how their information is being used and their rights to stop such use.
An enhanced right would also be provided for minors. Businesses would be prohibited from selling the information of minors without their consent. This provides an “opt in” mechanism for minors, while all other consumers would have the ability to “opt out.” However, there are two provisions governing the selling of minor’s information. In Section 1798.120(c), it provides that a business that has not received consent to sell a minor’s information shall be prohibited from selling it. This would presumably apply to any minor; thus, persons under 18 years of age. However, subdivision (d) of the same section provides an opt-in provision for consumers who are 16 years of age or younger, requiring them, or their parents for those under 13 years of age, to “affirmatively authorize” the sale. It is not clear what the difference between the consent that is required for all minors, and the affirmative authorization that is required for those minors 16 years of age or younger. However, it would likely be interpreted to mean that all minors would need to opt in before a business could sell their personal information.
7. Discrimination and pay-for-privacy
This bill would prohibit discrimination against a consumer based on the fact that the consumer exercised their rights under the bill. Such discrimination would include:
- denying goods or services to the consumer;
- charging different prices or rates for goods or services, including through the use of discounts or other benefits or imposing penalties;
- providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if the consumer exercises the consumer’s rights under this title; and
- suggesting that the consumer will receive a different price or rate for goods or services or a different level or quality of goods or services.
These provisions standing alone would ensure that the rights that would be established by the Act are protected. However, the bill would also provide that these anti-discrimination provisions do not prohibit a business from charging a consumer a different price or rate, or from providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the consumer, if that difference is reasonably related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer’s data. The bill would further authorize businesses to offer financial incentives, including payments to consumers as compensation, for the collection of personal information, the sale of personal information, or the deletion of personal information. A business may also offer a different price, rate, level, or quality of goods or services to the consumer if that price or difference is directly related to the value provided to the consumer by the consumer’s data.
Section 1798.125, where these anti-discrimination and incentive provisions reside, is internally inconsistent to a certain extent. It specifically prohibits "charging different prices or rates for goods or services." But, it also specifically authorizes in the following paragraph "charging a consumer a different price or rate." The same tension exists for "providing a different level or quality of goods or services." This is problematic in and of itself because it is vague as to exactly how a business can treat a consumer based solely on whether they have exercised their rights pursuant to the Act. Worse, these provisions could be read as an endorsement of pay-for-privacy type practices.
Privacy is of such import to California that it is enshrined in the California Constitution as an inalienable right. (Cal. Const, art. I, Sec. 1.) Allowing for businesses to treat consumers differently on the basis of whether they forego exercising that right is problematic. These provisions arguably can contribute to the transformation of a constitutional right into a luxury product that is affordable by a select few, creating unequal access to privacy and further enabling predatory and discriminatory behavior. This is a constitutional right that the Legislature should not commodify lightly.
8. Policies and procedures
The bill would outline requirements around how businesses should respond to requests and the timelines for doing so. It would also provide guidance on how to comply with the various provisions, namely the process of identifying consumers and associating the information that is supplied by the consumer in the relevant request with information the business has collected that is actually connected to that person. These provisions provide clear guidance on the basics for ensuring compliance. As the bill also calls upon the Attorney General to adopt regulations to carry out the various provisions of the Act, these procedures would likely be further flushed out through the regulatory process.
The bill would also outline specific pieces of information that would need to be included in the privacy policies of businesses that have such policies in place. This section of the bill would ensure consumers have a readily accessible way to find out what their rights are and how to exercise them. It would also require businesses to list out the various categories of information that they collect on consumers, including the specific categories of personal information that it has sold and the specific categories it has disclosed in the preceding 12-month period.
9. Other parameters on the rights provided by the Act
This bill would provide certain immunities and exemptions from compliance. First, a business would not be liable for violations of a service provider to which it discloses personal information as long as the business did not have actual knowledge or reason to believe the violation would occur. This is arguably a reasonable limitation on liability.
The bill would also allow a business to charge a reasonable fee or refuse to act on a request if it is “manifestly unfounded or excessive.” A business would have to notify the consumer of the reason for refusing the request and would bear the burden of demonstrating the request is manifestly unfounded or excessive. It is unclear when a request by a consumer for, say, access to their information, would be determined to be manifestly unfounded. The bill already limits several of the business’ obligations to no more than twice annually, thereby building in a protection for vexatious requests. One possible outcome of this provision is that it may open the door for fees to systematically be imposed on consumers.
10. Enforcement mechanisms
a. Private right of action
This bill would provide that any consumer whose nonencrypted or nonredacted personal information is subject to an unauthorized access and exfiltration, theft, or disclosure, as a result of the business’ violation of the duty to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information to protect the personal information may institute a civil action. In addition to injunctive and declaratory relief, the consumer would be able to seek recovery of actual damages or statutory damages in an amount between $100 and $750 per consumer per incident, whichever is greater. The court would be required to consider specified circumstances in setting the amount of the statutory damages, including the nature and seriousness of the misconduct, the number of violations, the persistence of the misconduct, the length of time over which the misconduct occurred, the willfulness of the defendant’s misconduct, and the defendant’s assets, liabilities, and net worth.
For the purposes of this right of action, “personal information” would be as defined in Section 1798.81.5(d)(1)(A), which provides that personal information is either:
(A) An individual’s first name or first initial and his or her last name in combination with any one or more of the following data elements, when either the name or the data elements are not encrypted or redacted:
(i) Social security number.
(ii) Driver’s license number or California identification card number.
(iii) Account number, credit or debit card number, in combination with any required security code, access code, or password that would permit access to an individual’s financial account.
(iv) Medical information.
(v) Health insurance information.
(B) A username or email address in combination with a password or security question and answer that would permit access to an online account.
This would create a private right of action for those whose personal information has been compromised through the failure of a business to properly maintain that information. By allowing any consumer to bring such actions, this bill would not require a direct contractual relationship between the consumer and the business. This would allow consumers to enforce their rights regarding personal information that is subject to unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure where the business is a data broker or other type of entity that collects personal information on consumers.
However, before a consumer could bring an action, the consumer would need to meet certain requirements. First, prior to initiating a civil action for statutory damages, a consumer would need to provide the offending business 30 days’ notice of the alleged violations. If applicable, the business would have the right to cure during those 30 days. If cured and the business provides a written statement that the violations have been cured and that no further violations will occur, the consumer is prevented from seeking statutory damages.
The bill also provides that a “consumer bringing an action as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) shall notify the Attorney General within 30 days that the action has been filed.” First, there is no subdivision (c) within this section so it is unclear what this is in reference to. The reference should be clarified or removed. As to the substance, the Attorney General would, upon receiving this notice, have the authority to notify the consumer of its intent to prosecute an action for the violation. The Attorney General would then have six months to do so. After such period, if no action is prosecuted, the consumer would be authorized to proceed with the action. If the Attorney General does not act at all in response to the notice within 30 days, the consumer would be authorized to proceed.
However, the bill would also provide that, in response to the notice, the Attorney General could notify “the consumer bringing the action that the consumer shall not proceed with the action.” This would essentially give the Attorney General the ability to unilaterally veto a consumer’s right to bring an action under this section. While there is precedent for requiring a private plaintiff to provide the right of first refusal to the Attorney General to bring the action, there is no relevant precedent found that allows the Attorney General to simply tell the plaintiff no, without any explanation, without any criteria to apply, and without any other action required on the part of the Attorney General. (See, e.g., Gov. Code Sec. 12652 [False Claims Actions]; Health & Saf. Code Sec. 25249.7 [Proposition 65].) Given that privacy is a constitutional right, allowing an official within the executive branch to deny a consumer the ability to vindicate that right pursuant to statute is problematic at best. This could allow the Attorney General to block an action even in the most egregious cases.
It is unclear what the justification is for such a provision, especially when there is no standard for the Attorney General to apply in determining whether to so restrict the plaintiff. Providing individual officials with the power to block Californians from the courts, even if limited to the enforcement of statutory claims, sets a troubling precedent.
In addition, a recent amendment to the bill would add the following subdivision to the section providing the private right of action: “Nothing in this act shall be interpreted to serve as the basis for a private right of action under any other law. This shall not be construed to relieve any party from any duties or obligations imposed under other law or the United States or California Constitution.” It appears that this provision would eliminate the ability of consumers to bring claims for violations of the Act under statutes such as the Unfair Competition Law, Business and Professions Code Section 17200 et seq. It also makes clear that the Act does not relieve any parties from having to follow the Constitution. This latter provision is likely unnecessary.
b. Attorney General enforcement and regulations
The Act would provide that a business in violation of the Act shall be given a 30-day right to cure. Businesses, service providers, or other persons failing to cure violations would be liable for civil penalties as provide in Section 17206 of the Business and Professions Code in an action brought by the Attorney General. In addition, for intentional violations of the Act, the liable party would be subject to civil penalties of up to $7,500 per violation.
The proceeds of such actions would be divided up as specified. Twenty percent would be placed into a newly created Consumer Privacy Fund, which would be placed within the General Fund. The purpose of the fund would be to offset the costs incurred by the judiciary and the Attorney General in enforcing the Act.
Furthermore, as referenced above, the Attorney General would be directed to adopt regulations to ensure the proper implementation of the Act and the realization of its purpose to protect consumers’ personal information. This authority would allow the Attorney General to add to the definition of personal information, which is critically important as technology advances. The regulations could help to facilitate consumers’ ability to opt out pursuant to the Act and otherwise exercise the rights newly created by the Act. It would also ensure that businesses are provided the necessary resources and direction to facilitate compliance.
In addition, the Attorney General would be given the power to establish “rules and guidelines regarding financial incentive offerings.” This could serve the function of ensuring that the “anti-discrimination” provisions found in Section 1798.125(a)(1) are not undermined by the language in Section 1798.125(b). The former provision makes clear that discriminating against consumers for exercising their rights pursuant to the act is prohibited. The intent of this legislation is to afford consumers the maximum amount of control over their data, and robust anti-discrimination provisions are critical to realizing that intent. Therefore, strong regulations carrying out this intent are vital.
Support: None Known
Opposition: Media Alliance
HISTORY
Source: Common Sense Kids Action
Related Pending Legislation:
SB 1121 (Dodd, 2018) would replace the term “customer” as used in Sections 1798.80 through 1798.84 of the Civil Code, the California Customer Records Act, with the term “consumer.” It would also provide any consumer whose personal information has been breached or has not been properly notified of a breach with the right to institute a civil action for the recovery of statutory damages, injunctive or declaratory relief, and any other relief the court deems proper. This bill is currently in the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.
AB 1859 (Chau, 2018) would require a consumer credit reporting agency that knows of a vulnerability that could compromise the security of personal information for which there is an update to address, to apply that update or be held liable for any resulting damages. This bill is being heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on the same day as this bill.
Prior Legislation: AB 375 (Chau, 2017), the previous version of this bill, would have enacted the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act to implement a modified version of the repealed Federal Communications Commission Rules regarding Internet Privacy.
Prior Vote:
Senate Judiciary Committee (Ayes 5, Noes 2)
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee (Ayes 9, Noes 1)
Assembly Floor (Ayes 77, Noes 0)
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee (Ayes 10, Noes 0)
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Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 375
:
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: 5-2, 7/18/17
AYES: Jackson, Hertzberg, Monning, Stern, Wieckowski
NOES: Moorlach, Anderson
SENATE ENERGY, U. & C. COMMITTEE: 9-1, 7/18/17
AYES: Hueso, Bradford, Cannella, Hertzberg, Hill, McGuire, Skinner, Stern, Wiener
NOES: Vidak
NO VOTE RECORDED: Morrell
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-0, 5/11/17 (Consent) - See last page for vote
DIGEST:
This bill enacts the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act in an effort to reinstate the consumer privacy protections afforded by rules finalized by the Federal Communications Commission in October 2016, but recently eliminated by the Trump Administration and Congress.
Existing law:
- Provides, through the California Constitution, that all people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy. (Cal. Const., Art. I, Sec. 1.)
- Requires an operator of a commercial Internet Web site or online service (operator) that collects personally identifiable information through the Internet about individual consumers residing in California who use or visit the commercial Internet Web site or online service to conspicuously post, or make available, its privacy policy, as specified. An operator violates this provision if the operator fails to post its policy within 30 days after being notified of noncompliance. (Bus. & Prof. Code Secs. 22575 & 22576.)
- Requires, among other things, that the privacy policy identify the categories of personally identifiable information that the operator collects about individual consumers and the categories of third-party persons or entities with whom the operator may share that information. (Bus. & Prof. Code Secs. 22575 & 22576.)
- Provides that, for purposes of Business and Professions Code Sections 22575 and 22576, the term “personally identifiable information” means individually identifiable information about an individual consumer collected online by the operator from that individual and maintained by the operator in an accessible form, including, in part, name, social security number, identifiers that permit the physical or online contacting of a specific individual, and information concerning a user that the Web site or online service collects online from the user and maintains in personally identifiable form in combination with an identifier described therein. (Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 22577.)
- Requires a business that owns, licenses, or maintains personal information about a California resident to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information, to protect the personal information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. Existing law further provides that a business that discloses personal information about a California resident pursuant to a contract with a nonaffiliated third party shall require by contract that the third party implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information, to protect the personal information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.81.5.)
- Requires a business that collects personal information about a California consumer and shares that information with a third party for marketing purposes to disclose, upon a consumer’s written request, the categories of information that were disclosed to a third party for the third party's direct marketing purposes and the names and addresses of all third parties that received the information. Alternatively, a business may comply with this requirement by adopting a policy that allows a customer to prevent the disclosure of personal information to a third party for the third party's direct marketing purposes, and the business notifies the customer of his or her right to prevent disclosure under the policy and provides the user with a cost-free means of exercising that right. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.83.)
- Provides, with regard to the automatic purchase renewals statute, that “clear and conspicuous” or “clearly and conspicuously” means in larger type than the surrounding text, or in contrasting type, font, or color to the surrounding text of the same size, or set off from the surrounding text of the same size by symbols or other marks, in a manner that clearly calls attention to the language. In the case of an audio disclosure, “clear and conspicuous” and “clearly and conspicuously” means in a volume and cadence sufficient to be readily audible and understandable. (Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 17601(c).)
- Specifies that every telecommunications carrier has a duty to protect the confidentiality of proprietary information of, and relating to, other telecommunication carriers, equipment manufacturers, and customers, including telecommunication carriers reselling telecommunications service provided by a telecommunications carrier. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(a).)
- Provides that a telecommunications carrier that receives or obtains proprietary information from another carrier for purposes of providing any telecommunications service shall use such information only for such purpose, and shall not use such information for its own marketing efforts. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(b).)
- Provides that except as required by law or with the approval of the customer, a telecommunications carrier that receives or obtains customer proprietary network information by virtue of its provision of a telecommunications service shall only use, disclose, or permit access to individually identifiable customer proprietary network information in its provision of: the telecommunications service from which such information is derived; or services necessary to, or used in, the provision of such telecommunications service, including the publishing of directories. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(c)(1).)
- Provides that for purposes of 47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(c)(1), without express prior authorization of the customer, a customer shall not be considered to have approved the use or disclosure of or access to:
- call location information concerning the user of a commercial mobile service, as defined, or the user of an IP-enabled voice service, as defined, other than in accordance with 47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(d)(4); or
- automatic crash notification information to any person other than for use in the operation of an automatic crash notification system. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(f).)
- Provides that a telecommunications carrier shall disclose customer proprietary network information, upon affirmative written request by the customer, to any person designated by the customer. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(c)(2).)
- Provides for the disclosure by a telecommunications carrier of aggregate customer information, as specified. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(c)(3).)
- Provides that nothing in 47 U.S.C. Section 222 prohibits a telecommunications carrier from using, disclosing, or permitting access to customer proprietary network information obtained from its customers, either directly or indirectly through its agents to:
- initiate, render, bill, and collect for telecommunications services;
- protect the rights or property of the carrier, or to protect users of those services and other carriers from fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful use of, or subscription to, such services;
- provide any inbound telemarketing, referral, or administrative services to the customer for the duration of the call, if such call was initiated by the customer and the customer approves of the use of such information to provide such service; and
- provide call location information concerning the user of a commercial mobile service, as defined, or the user of an IP-enabled voice service, as defined: to a public safety answering point, emergency medical service provider or emergency dispatch provider, public safety, fire service, or law enforcement official, or hospital emergency or trauma care facility, in order to respond to the user’s call for emergency service; to inform the user’s legal guardian or members of the user’s immediate family of the user’s location in an emergency situation that involves the risk of death or serious physical harm; or to providers of information or database management services solely for purposes of assisting the delivery of emergency services in response to an emergency. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(d).)
- Does not define “approval of the customer”.
- Defines “customer proprietary network information” as:
- information that relates to the quantity, technical configuration, type, destination, location, and amount of use of a telecommunications service subscribed to by any customer of a telecommunications carrier, and that is made available to the carrier by the customer solely by virtue of the carrier-customer relationship; and
- information contained in the bills pertaining to telephone exchange service or telephone toll service received by a customer of a carrier. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(h)(1).)
- Provides that “customer proprietary network information” does not include subscriber list information, as defined. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(d).)
- Provides for the sharing of “subscriber list information” for the purpose of publishing directories, as specified, and defines “subscriber list information” as any information:
- identifying the listed names or subscribers of a carrier and such subscribers telephone numbers, addresses, or primary advertising classifications (as such classifications are assigned at the time of the establishment of such service), or any combination of such listed names, numbers, addresses, or classification; and
- that the carrier or an affiliate has published, caused to be published, or accepted for publication in any directory format. (47 U.S.C. Secs. 222(d)(3) & (e).)
- Defines “aggregate customer information” as collective data that relates to a group or category of services or customers from which individual customer identities and characteristics have been removed. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(h)(2).)
- Contains provisions regarding subscriber listed and unlisted information for emergency services purposes, as specified. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(g).)
- Regulates the information practices of various industries. Examples of such laws include the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (which regulates financial institutions), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (which regulates the health care industry), the California Confidentiality in Medical Information Act (protects information maintained by the health care industry), the California Financial Information Privacy Act (protects information maintained by financial institutions), the Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA) (protects student information on K-12 Web sites or applications), and the Insurance Information Privacy Act (protects information maintained by the insurance industry).
This bill:
- Enacts the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act (Act). The stated intent of the Act is to incorporate into statute certain provisions of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Report and Order, “Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services” (FCC 16-148), which were revoked by Senate Joint Resolution 34 (Public Law 115-22).
- Provides that it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this Act to give consumers greater control over their personal information when accessing the Internet through an Internet service provider and thereby better protect their own privacy and autonomy. The stated intent is that the consumer protections set forth in this Act be interpreted broadly and any exceptions interpreted narrowly, using the FCC Report and Order as persuasive guidance, in order to maximize individual privacy and autonomy.
- Defines “broadband Internet access service” (BIAS) to mean a mass-market retail service by wire or radio in California that provides the capability to transmit data and to receive data from all or substantially all Internet endpoints, including any capabilities that are incidental to, and enable the operation of, the service, but excluding dial-up Internet access service. The term also encompasses any service that provides a functional equivalent of the service described, or that is used to evade the Act’s protections. A “broadband Internet access service provider” is a person engaged in the provision of BIAS to a customer account located in California. It does not include a premises operator, including a coffee shop, bookstore, airline, private end-user network, or other business that acquires BIAS from a BIAS provider to enable patrons to access the Internet from its respective establishment.
- Defines the following terms for purposes of this Act:
- “aggregate customer information”;
- “customer”;
- “customer proprietary information” (CPI);
- “customer proprietary network information”;
- “material change”;
- “nonsensitive customer proprietary information”;
- “opt-in approval”;
- “opt-out approval”;
- “person”;
- “personally identifiable information”;
- “sensitive customer proprietary information”; and,
- “Internet Web site browsing history and application usage history.”
- Provides that a BIAS provider shall not use, disclose, or permit access to CPI except with the opt-out or opt-in approval of a customer, as specified, with certain, specified purposes excepted from this requirement. The approval necessary, if any, will depend on the type of information involved and the relevant purpose.
- Outlines the requirements for soliciting customer approval, including mandatory notifications and appropriate mechanisms for providing consent.
- Prohibits a BIAS provider from engaging in certain actions based on a customer’s exercise or waiver of the customer’s privacy rights.
- Clarifies that it does not limit the other statutory rights of a customer or the statutory obligations of a BIAS provider. It further provides that its requirements apply to BIAS providers operating within California when providing BIAS to their customers who are residents of and physically located in California. Any waiver by the customer of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed contrary to public policy and shall be void and unenforceable.
- Becomes operative on January 1, 2019.
Background
Since President Trump was elected, the California Legislature has been shepherding a number of measures designed to codify federal policy ahead of inevitable rollbacks by the Trump administration. For example, in order to ensure college students are protected from campus sexual violence, SB 169 (Jackson, 2017) was introduced to codify the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights Enforcement “Dear Colleague Letter,” which made it clear that the department considers sexual violence on campus a form of gender discrimination unlawful under Title IX. In the same vein, SB 49 (De León, 2017) establishes certain minimum federal environmental, public health, and labor standards as baselines and prohibits the corresponding California standards from falling below those baselines. Similarly, this bill seeks to reinstate privacy rules finalized by the FCC last year, but repealed recently by President Trump and the United States Congress.
Comments
The author writes:
California Broadband Internet Privacy Act (CalBIPA) was drafted to ensure that consumers enjoy choice, transparency and security in the treatment of their personal information when accessing the internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Earlier this year, Congress and the Trump Administration approved Senate Joint Resolution 34 that repealed the privacy rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under President Obama to give broadband internet consumers greater control over their personal information.
These privacy rules, which were developed over the course of several years and reflected extensive public comment, were described by the FCC at the time as built on widely accepted privacy principles that would have required ISPs to provide their customers with meaningful choice, while keeping customer data secure and giving ISPs the flexibility to continue to innovate. In April, those rules were eliminated on a largely party line vote. However, the public does not see privacy as a partisan issue. One poll conducted in March of this year found that 80% of Democrats and 75% of Republicans wanted the President to veto the repeal bill and allow the FCC privacy rules to take effect. With AB 375, California is going to restore what Washington stripped away.
Reinstating the protections afforded by the FCC Rules and the Report and Order
Federal law requires broadband providers to protect customer information. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222.) The FCC sought to outline, through the rulemaking process, privacy protections that apply to sensitive data that broadband providers collect. In October 2016, after years of development,[1] the FCC finalized rules (FCC Rules) and published them with an attendant FCC Report and Order.[2] The FCC Rules provide clarity regarding telecommunications carriers’ treatment of consumer information and provide consumers a measure of control over their personal information. However, before the FCC Rules could take effect, President Trump and Congress killed the rules through Senate Joint Resolution 34 (Public Law 115-22). [3]
This bill seeks to reinstate the FCC Rules to ensure these critical consumer protections are preserved, at least for consumers who are residents of and are physically located in California. Based on the FCC Rules, and guided by the FCC Report and Order, this bill restricts Broadband Internet access service (BIAS) providers from violating the privacy rights of consumers and provides clarity regarding BIAS providers’ treatment of consumer information by, for example, requiring the providers to seek consent if they intend to use the information for certain purposes.
Based on the FCC Rules, the bill prohibits a BIAS provider from refusing to provide BIAS, or in any way limiting it, to a customer who does not waive the customer’s privacy rights. It also restricts BIAS providers from penalizing or incentivizing customers as a direct or indirect consequence of their decision to, or refusal to, waive privacy rights guaranteed them by law or regulation.
Providing clear guidance on how a customer’s information can be used
Tracking the language from the FCC Rules, this bill defines “customer proprietary information” to include the following information that a BIAS provider acquires in connection with its provision of BIAS: individually identifiable customer proprietary network information; personally identifiable information; and content of communications. It further differentiates “nonsensitive” CPI from “sensitive” CPI, the latter of which includes geolocation, financial and health information; information regarding children; social security numbers; the content of communications; and Internet Web site browsing history, application usage history, and the functional equivalents of either.
Mirroring the FCC Rules, this bill prohibits a BIAS provider from using, disclosing, or permitting access to CPI except with the opt-out or opt-in approval of a customer, with limited exceptions.
A BIAS provider shall obtain opt-out approval from a customer to use, disclose, or permit access to any of the customer’s nonsensitive CPI. Such approval is assumed if a customer fails to object after being provided appropriate notification. However, if a BIAS provider wishes to use, disclose, or permit access to sensitive CPI or to make certain material changes, it must obtain opt-in approval from the customer. Such approval requires the BIAS provider to obtain affirmative, express consent allowing the requested usage, disclosure, or access to the information after the customer is provided appropriate notification.
Similar to the FCC Rules, this bill requires a BIAS provider to solicit the above customer approval, as applicable, at the point of sale and when making one or more material changes to privacy policies. A BIAS provider’s solicitation of customer approval shall be completely translated into a language other than English where appropriate. It shall also be clear and conspicuous, and in language that is comprehensible and not misleading. The solicitation shall disclose the types of CPI involved; the purposes for which the CPI will be used; and the categories of entities to which the BIAS provider intends to disclose or permit access to the CPI. Furthermore, a BIAS provider must make available, at no additional cost, a simple, easy-to-use mechanism for customer approval. The customer’s grant, denial, or withdrawal of approval shall be given effect promptly and remain in effect until the customer revokes or limits the grant, denial, or withdrawal of approval.
Despite these requirements, BIAS providers are permitted to use, disclose, or permit access to CPI without customer approval for a number of purposes. These permissible purposes largely track what telecommunications carriers are currently permitted to do with customer data without consent as provided in 47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(d). These purposes include use of information to initiate, render, bill, and collect for BIAS; to provide inbound marketing, referral or administrative services to the customer, as specified; and to generate an aggregate customer information dataset using customer personal information.
This bill balances the important constitutional interests at stake with the practical and operational needs of BIAS providers. In addition, any operational difficulties in meeting the requirements of this bill are mitigated to a certain extent by the fact that many BIAS providers should have already begun preparing in earnest to comply with the FCC Rules, which these new requirements largely track.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
Access Humboldt
American Civil Liberties Union of California
Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Los Angeles
Asian Food Trade Association
Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council
Calegislation
California Association of Competitive Telecommunications Companies
California Alliance for Retired Americans
California Center for Rural Policy
California Low-Income Consumer Coalition
California Public Interest Research Group
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood
Center for Democracy & Technology
Center for Digital Democracy
Center for Media Justice
Chinese American Community Affairs Council
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
City and County of San Francisco
Color of Change
Common Sense Kids Action
Consumer Action
Consumer Assistance Council
Consumer Federation of America
Consumer Federation of California
Consumers Union
Consumer Watchdog
Credo Mobile
Cruzio Internet
Digital Privacy Alliance
Edwin Lee, Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Friends of the Chinese American Museum
John Garamendi, Member of Congress
Giant Union Co. Inc.
Golden Pacific Foods Inc.
Hocean, Inc.
Media Alliance
New America’s Open Technology Institute
New Japan International, Inc.
Oakland Privacy
Online Trust Alliance
Open Technology Institute
Pacific Internet
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Public Law
Roxy Trading Inc.
Sonic
Jackie Speier, Member of Congress
Spiral Internet
Tekify
Telnexus
The Utilities Reform Network
Mike Thompson, Member of Congress
Unwired Ltd.
Maxine Waters, Member of Congress
Wilson Creek Communications
YHS Trading, Inc.
One individual
OPPOSITION: (Verified 9/15/17)
Acxiom Corporation
Advancing the Seed, Inc.
Altice Group
American Advertising Federation
American Association of Advertising Agencies
Asian Journal Publications, Inc.
Association of National Advertisers
AT&T
Auto Alliance
Bay Area Council
Brea Chamber of Commerce
CalCom
California Bankers Association
California Black Chamber of Commerce
California Broadcasters Association
California Business Properties Association
California Cable & Telecommunications Association
California Chamber of Commerce
California Communications Association
California Justice Association of California
California Latino Leadership Institute
California Manufacturers and Technology Association
California Restaurant Association
California Retailers Association
California State Association of Electrical Workers
Camarillo Chamber of Commerce
Cambodian-American Chamber of Commerce
Charter Communications
Children’s Resource Network of the Central Coast
Comcast
CompTIA
Computing Technology Industry Association
Consolidated Communications Inc.
Consumer Data Industry Association
COR Community Development Corporation
Cox Enterprises
CTIA
Data & Marketing Association
EBW Foundation
Entertainment Software Association
Every Community Matters Corporation
Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce
Frontier Communications
Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce
Inland Empire Economic Partnership
Instituto de Avance Latino CDC
Interactive Advertising Bureau
International Franchise Association
Internet Association
Internet Coalition
Latino Coalition for Community Leadership
Liberty Mutual
Macedonia Community Development Corporation
Mediacom
Motion Picture Association of America
National Asian American Coalition
Network Advertising Initiative
OASIS Center International
Oath:
Orange County Business Council
Oxnard Chamber of Commerce
Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce
Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce
Retail Industry Leaders Association
San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce
Satellite and Broadcast Communications Association
Silicon Valley Leadership Group
Southwest California Legislative Council
South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce
Sprint
State Privacy and Security Coalition
TechNet
T-Mobile USA
Tracfone
Verizon
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: In support, a coalition of privacy rights, consumer rights, and civil liberty organizations writes:
Providers of broadband internet service have a unique and powerful role in today’s online ecosystem. Their position as internet gatekeepers gives them a comprehensive view of individual consumer behavior, one that consumers cannot readily avoid or shield themselves from when they use necessary internet services. The power of the internet service provider is further enhanced by the lack of competition that presently exists for high-speed access. According to the latest FCC data, 41 percent of Americans have only one company offering high-speed broadband access in their community.
As the role of the internet in the daily lives of consumers increases, this means an increased potential for data collection of personal information and sensitive facts about ones daily life. The shadow of surveillance can create a chilling effect on speech, association, and online commerce, and even increase the potential for data-driven discrimination, governmental overreach, and the theft of highly personal information. By contrast, strong protections that enhance Californians’ confidence would encourage greater adoption and use of the internet, as individual comfort and trust leads individuals to conduct even more of their everyday business online.
. . .
In the face of retreat by the federal government and the robust demands of voters, California must respond to the will of the public and restore the protections created by the FCC in 2016 that Congress and the President so thoughtlessly stripped away.
The California Low-Income Consumer Coalition writes in support of the so-called “pay-for-privacy” provisions: “Privacy is a constitutional right in our state – guaranteed in the very first section of our Constitution – and fundamental rights are not things to be charged for or bartered away. Low-income Californians and people of color are particularly vulnerable to such false ‘bargains.’”
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION: A coalition of internet service providers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint, among others, writes in opposition:
The bill is an overreaction to Congressional action repealing privacy rules passed by the Federal Communications Commission that were never in effect. Importantly, Congressional action did nothing to take away existing privacy protections from consumers, including protections in Section 222 of the Communications Act.
AT&T specifically notes that the “imposition of onerous privacy regulations solely on Internet service providers – and not other companies that collect and use consumer data – would give consumers a false sense of security that their online privacy is being protected. As federal and state governments have long recognized, consumer privacy laws should be based on the sensitivity of the data involved and how it is being used, not the company holding the data.”
A coalition of advertising and marketing associations, including the Data & Marketing Association, Association of National Advertisers, and American Advertising Federation writes the following in opposition:
The recent repeal of the [FCC] Broadband Privacy Rules does not mean that consumers will be left unprotected. In fact, Internet Service Providers (“ISPs”) have been and will continue to be substantially regulated at the federal level. Prior to the FCC’s decision to adopt the Broadband Privacy Rules, it issued a wide-ranging enforcement advisory opinion, making it clear that the Communications Act (Section 222) applies to ISPs. The guidance continues to apply today.
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-0, 5/11/17
AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Travis Allen, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bigelow, Bloom, Bocanegra, Bonta, Brough, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Cervantes, Chau, Chávez, Chen, Chiu, Choi, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dababneh, Daly, Eggman, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gomez, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wood, Rendon
NO VOTE RECORDED: Dahle, O'Donnell, Patterson
Prepared by: Christian Kurpiewski / Margie Estrada / JUD. / (916) 651-4113
9/15/17 18:20:46
See July 5, 2017 letter of support by Congressman John Garamendi describing how the “FCC rule that Congress eliminated was developed over several years with careful consideration of extensive public comment and input from industry experts.” ↑
See FCC Rules In the Matter of Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and other Telecommunications Services, WC Docket No. 16-106, FCC-16-148 (Oct. 27, 2016) <https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/ FCC-16-148A1.pdf> [as of Sept. 13, 2017]. ↑
Senate Joint Resolution 34 invoked the Congressional Review Act to repeal the FCC internet service provider broadband privacy rules. ↑
Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, Chair
2017-2018 Regular Session
Bill No: AB 375 (Author:Chau)
Version: June 19, 2017
Hearing Date: July 18, 2017
Fiscal: No
Urgency: No
Consultant: MEC
SUBJECT
Internet service providers: customer privacy
DESCRIPTION
This bill would enact the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act in an effort to protect California consumers since Congress and the Trump administration effectively halted a set of federal consumer privacy protection rules on Internet service providers that were scheduled to take effect. The author’s proposed amendments to this bill would gut the bill as drafted, mirror the FCC Rules, and maintain the provision prohibiting an Internet service provider from doing either of the following:
- refusing to serve a customer, or in any way limit services to a customer, who does not provide the consent; or
- charging a customer a penalty, or penalize a customer in any way, or offer a customer a discount or another benefit based on the customer’s decision to provide or not provide the consent.
BACKGROUND
Since President Trump was elected, the California Legislature has been shepherding a number of measures designed to codify federal policy ahead of inevitable rollbacks by the Trump administration. For example, in order to ensure college students are protected from campus sexual violence, SB 169 (Jackson, 2017) was introduced to codify the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights Enforcement “Dear Colleague Letter” which made it clear that the department considers sexual violence on campus a form of gender discrimination unlawful under Title IX. In the same vein, SB 49 (De León, 2017) would establish certain minimum federal environmental, public health, and labor standards as baselines and would prohibit the corresponding California standards from falling below those baselines.
The author of AB 375 seeks to similarly preserve Federal Communications Commission (FCC) finalized rules[1] that provide clarity regarding internet service providers’ treatment of consumer information but could not take effect because President Trump and Congress killed the rules through SJR 34 (Public Law 115-22).[2] The FCC rules were approved in October 2016, and had been developed over years through a rulemaking process, and were set to go into effect.[3] The rules would have given consumers additional control regarding internet service providers’ use of consumer data they collect. For example, the rules would have required that the internet service provider receive explicit consent from consumers before “sensitive data,” as defined, would be shared or sold.
This bill passed out of the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee with a 9 to 1 vote.
CHANGES TO EXISTING LAW
Existing law, the California Constitution, provides that all people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy. (Cal. Const., art. I, Sec. 1.)
Existing law requires an operator of a commercial Internet Web site or online service (operator) that collects personally identifiable information through the Internet about individual consumers residing in California who use or visit the commercial Internet Web site or online service to conspicuously post, or make available, its privacy policy, as specified. An operator violates this provision if the operator fails to post its policy within 30 days after being notified of noncompliance. (Bus. & Prof. Code Secs. 22575 & 22576.)
Existing law requires, among other things, that the privacy policy identify the categories of personally identifiable information that the operator collects about individual consumers and the categories of third-party persons or entities with whom the operator may share that information. (Bus. & Prof. Code Secs. 22575 & 22576.)
Existing law provides that, for purposes of Business and Professions Code Sections 22575 and 22576, the term “personally identifiable information” means individually identifiable information about an individual consumer collected online by the operator from that individual and maintained by the operator in an accessible form, including any of the following:
- a first and last name;
- a home or other physical address, including street name and name of a city or town;
- an e-mail address;
- a telephone number;
- a social security number;
- any other identifier that permits the physical or online contacting of a specific individual; and
- information concerning a user that the Web site or online service collects online from the user and maintains in personally identifiable form in combination with an identifier described in this subdivision. (Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 22577.)
Existing law requires a business that owns, licenses, or maintains personal information about a California resident to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information, to protect the personal information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. Existing law further provides that a business that discloses personal information about a California resident pursuant to a contract with a nonaffiliated third party shall require by contract that the third party implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information, to protect the personal information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.81.5.)
Existing law requires a business that collects personal information about a California consumer and shares that information with a third party for marketing purposes to disclose, upon a consumer’s written request, the categories of information that were disclosed to a third party for the third party's direct marketing purposes and the names and addresses of all third parties that received the information. Alternatively, a business may comply with this requirement by adopting a policy that allows a customer to prevent the disclosure of personal information to a third party for the third party's direct marketing purposes, and the business notifies the customer of his or her right to prevent disclosure under the policy and provides the user with a cost-free means of exercising that right. (Civ. Code Sec. 1798.83.)
Existing law provides, with regard to the automatic purchase renewals statute, that “clear and conspicuous” or “clearly and conspicuously” means in larger type than the surrounding text, or in contrasting type, font, or color to the surrounding text of the same size, or set off from the surrounding text of the same size by symbols or other marks, in a manner that clearly calls attention to the language. In the case of an audio disclosure, “clear and conspicuous” and “clearly and conspicuously” means in a volume and cadence sufficient to be readily audible and understandable. (Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 17601(c).)
Existing federal law specifies that every telecommunications carrier has a duty to protect the confidentiality of proprietary information of, and relating to, other telecommunication carriers, equipment manufacturers, and customers, including telecommunication carriers reselling telecommunications service provided by a telecommunications carrier. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(a).)
Existing federal law provides that a telecommunications carrier that receives or obtains proprietary information from another carrier for purposes of providing any telecommunications service shall use such information only for such purpose, and shall not use such information for its own marketing efforts. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(b).)
Existing federal law provides that except as required by law or with the approval of the customer, a telecommunications carrier that receives or obtains customer proprietary network information by virtue of its provision of a telecommunications service shall only use, disclose, or permit access to individually identifiable customer proprietary network information in its provision of: the telecommunications service from which such information is derived; or services necessary to, or used in, the provision of such telecommunications service, including the publishing of directories. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(c)(1).)
Existing federal law provides that for purposes of 47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(c)(1), without express prior authorization of the customer, a customer shall not be considered to have approved the use or disclosure of or access to:
- call location information concerning the user of a commercial mobile service, as defined, or the user of an IP-enabled voice service, as defined, other than in accordance with (d)(4); or
- automatic crash notification information to any person other than for use in the operation of an automatic crash notification system. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(f).)
Existing federal law provides that a telecommunications carrier shall disclose customer proprietary network information, upon affirmative written request by the customer, to any person designated by the customer. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(c)(2).)
Existing federal law provides for the disclosure by a telecommunications carrier of aggregate customer information, as specified. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(c)(3).)
Existing federal law provides that nothing in 47 U.S.C. Section 222 prohibits a telecommunications carrier from using, disclosing, or permitting access to customer proprietary network information obtained from its customers, either directly or indirectly through its agents to:
- initiate, render, bill, and collect for telecommunications services;
- protect the rights or property of the carrier, or to protect users of those services and other carriers from fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful use of, or subscription to, such services;
- provide any inbound telemarketing, referral, or administrative services to the customer for the duration of the call, if such call was initiated by the customer and the customer approves of the use of such information to provide such service; and
- to provide call location information concerning the user of a commercial mobile service, as defined, or the user of an IP-enabled voice service, as defined: to a public safety answering point, emergency medical service provider or emergency dispatch provider, public safety, fire service, or law enforcement official, or hospital emergency or trauma care facility, in order to respond to the user’s call for emergency service; to inform the user’s legal guardian or members of the user’s immediate family of the user’s location in an emergency situation that involves the risk of death or serious physical harm; or to providers of information or database management services solely for purposes of assisting the delivery of emergency services in response to an emergency. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(d).)
Existing federal law does not define “approval of the customer”.
Existing federal law defines “customer proprietary network information” as:
- information that relates to the quantity, technical configuration, type, destination, location, and amount of use of a telecommunications service subscribed to by any customer of a telecommunications carrier, and that is made available to the carrier by the customer solely by virtue of the carrier-customer relationship; and
- information contained in the bills pertaining to telephone exchange service or telephone toll service received by a customer of a carrier. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(h)(1).)
Existing federal law provides that “customer proprietary network information” does not include subscriber list information, as defined. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(d).)
Existing federal law provides for the sharing of “subscriber list information” for the purpose of publishing directories, as specified, and defines “subscriber list information” as any information:
- identifying the listed names or subscribers of a carrier and such subscribers telephone numbers, addresses, or primary advertising classifications (as such classifications are assigned at the time of the establishment of such service), or any combination of such listed names, numbers, addresses, or classification; and
- that the carrier or an affiliate has published, caused to be published, or accepted for publication in any directory format. (47 U.S.C. Secs. 222(d)(3) & (e).)
Existing federal law defines “aggregate customer information” as collective data that relates to a group or category of services or customers from which individual customer identities and characteristics have been removed. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(h)(2).)
Existing federal law contains provisions regarding subscriber listed and unlisted information for emergency services purposes, as specified. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222(g).)
Existing federal and state law regulates the information practices of various industries. Examples of such laws include the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (which regulates financial institutions), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (which regulates the health care industry), the state Confidentiality in Medical Information Act (CMIA) (protects information maintained by the health care industry), the California Financial Information Privacy Act (protects information maintained by financial institutions), the Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA) (protects student information on K-12 Web sites or applications), and the Insurance Information Privacy Act (protects information maintained by the insurance industry).
This bill would enact the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act (Act).
This bill would provide that it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this Act to give consumers greater control over their personal information when accessing the Internet through an Internet service provider and thereby better protect their own privacy and autonomy.
This bill would provide that it is the intent of the Legislature that the consumer protections set forth in this Act be interpreted broadly and any exceptions interpreted narrowly in order to maximize individual privacy and autonomy.
This bill would define the following terms for purposes of this Act:
- “aggregate customer information” would mean collective data that relates to a group or category of customers, from which individual customer identities and characteristics have been removed, that is not linked or reasonably linkable to any individual person, household, or device. “Aggregate customer information” does not mean one or more individual customer records that have been deidentified;
- “customer” would mean a current or former subscriber to the Internet access service, or an applicant for Internet access service;
- “customer personal information” would mean information collected from or about an individual customer or user of the customer’s subscription that is made available to the Internet service provider by a customer or user of the customer’s subscription solely by virtue of the provider-customer relationship, including:
- name and billing information; government-issued identifiers, including social security number;
- information that would permit the physical or online contacting of an individual, such as physical address, email address, phone number, or IP address;
- demographic information, such as date of birth, age, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation;
- financial information;
- health information;
- information pertaining to minors;
- geolocation information;
- information from the use of the service, such as Web browsing history, application usage history, content of communications, and origin and destination Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of all traffic;
- device identifiers, such as media access control (MAC) address or Internet mobile equipment identity (IMEI); and
- information concerning a customer or user of the customer’s subscription that is collected or made available and is maintained in personally identifiable form.
- “internet access service” means a mass-market retail service by wire or radio that provides the capability to transmit data to and receive data from all or substantially all Internet endpoints, including any capabilities that are incidental to and enable the operation of the communications service, but excluding dial-up Internet access service. “Internet access service” also encompasses any service that the Federal Communications Commission or the Public Utilities Commission finds to be providing a functional equivalent to the service described in this subdivision; and
- “internet service provider” means a person or entity engaged in the provision of Internet access service, but only to the extent that the person or entity is providing Internet access service.
This bill would prohibit an Internet service provider from using, disclosing, selling, or permitting access to customer personal information (as defined), except as provided in this Act.
This bill would provide that an Internet service provider may use, disclose, sell, or permit access to customer personal information (as defined) if the customer gives the Internet service provider prior opt-in consent, which may be revoked at any time by the customer.
This bill would provide that an Internet service provider may use, disclose, sell, or permit access to customer personal information if the customer gives the Internet service provider prior opt-in consent, which may be revoked by the customer at any time.
This bill would provide that the mechanism for requesting and revoking consent shall be:
- clear and conspicuous, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 17601;
- not misleading;
- in the language primarily used to conduct business with the customer;
- made available to the customer at no additional cost; and
- persistently available on or through the Internet service provider’s Internet Web site, or mobile application if it provides one for account management purposes. However, if the Internet service provider does not have an Internet Web site, it shall provide a persistently available mechanism by another means, such as a toll-free telephone number.
This bill would provide that the customer’s grant, denial, or withdrawal of consent shall be given effect promptly and remain in effect until the customer revokes or limits the grant, denial, or withdrawal of consent.
This bill would provide that the request for consent shall disclose to the customer all of the following:
- the types of customer personal information for which the Internet service provider is seeking customer approval to use, disclose, sell, or permit access;
- the purposes for which the customer personal information will be used; and
- the categories of entities to which the Internet service provider intends to disclose, sell, or permit access to the customer personal information.
This bill would prohibit an Internet service provider from doing either of the following:
- refusing to serve a customer, or in any way limit services to a customer, who does not provide the consent; or
- charging a customer a penalty, or penalize a customer in any way, or offer a customer a discount or another benefit based on the customer’s decision to provide or not provide the consent.
This bill would require an Internet service provider to disclose the customer personal information upon affirmative written request by the customer, to any person designated by the customer.
This bill would provide that an Internet service provider may use, disclose, or permit access to customer personal information without customer consent, but only to the extent necessary to achieve the stated purpose, in the following circumstances, unless otherwise prohibited by state law:
- to provide the Internet access service from which the information is derived, or services necessary to the provision of that service;
- to comply with legal process or other laws, court orders, or administrative orders;
- to initiate, render, bill for, and collect for Internet access service;
- to protect the rights or property of the Internet service provider, or to protect customers of those services and other carriers from fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful use of, or subscription to, those services; or
- to provide location information concerning the customer as follows:
- to a public safety answering point, emergency medical service provider, or emergency dispatch provider, public safety, fire service, or law enforcement official, or hospital emergency or trauma care facility, in order to respond to the customer’s request for emergency services;
- to inform the customer’s legal guardian, members of the customer’s family, or a person reasonably believed by the Internet service provider, to be a close personal friend of the customer, of the customer’s location in an emergency situation that involves the risk of death or life-threatening harm; or
- to providers of information or database management services solely for purposes of assisting in the delivery of emergency services in response to an emergency.
This bill would provide that nothing in the Act shall restrict an Internet service provider from generating an aggregate customer information dataset using customer personal information, or using, disclosing, selling, or permitting access to the aggregate customer information dataset it generated.
This bill would provide that unless otherwise prohibited by state law, an Internet service provider may use, disclose, or permit access to customer personal information to advertise or market the provider’s communications-related services to the customer, provided that the customer may opt out of that use, disclosure, or access at any time, and the customer is notified of the right to opt out in a manner that is clear and conspicuous, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 17601, not misleading, in the language primarily used to conduct business with the consumer, persistently available, and made available to the customer at no additional cost.
This bill would require an Internet service provider to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information to protect customer personal information from unauthorized use, disclosure, access, destruction, or modification. An Internet service provider would be allowed to employ any lawful security measures that allow it to comply with these requirements.
This bill would prohibit an Internet service provider from retaining a customer’s information for longer than is reasonably necessary to accomplish the purposes for which the information was collected, unless the information is aggregate customer information, or as otherwise required by this Act.
This bill would provide that the requirements of this Act apply to Internet service providers operating within California when providing Internet access service to their customers who are residents of and physically located in California.
This bill would provide that any waiver by the customer of the provisions of this Act shall be deemed contrary to public policy and shall be void and unenforceable.
This bill would include a severability clause.
This bill would specify that California adopts this Act pursuant to all inherent state authority under the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and all relevant authority granted and reserved to the states by Title 47 of the United States Code, including the authority to impose requirements necessary to protect public safety and welfare, safeguard the rights of consumers, manage public rights-of-way, and regulate franchises.
This bill would specify that California further adopts this Act pursuant to the inalienable right of privacy granted under the authority of article I, section 1 of the California Constitution.
This bill, as proposed to be amended, would mirror the FCC Rules, and maintain the provision prohibiting an Internet service provider from doing either of the following:
- refusing to serve a customer, or in any way limit services to a customer, who does not provide the consent; or
- charging a customer a penalty, or penalize a customer in any way, or offer a customer a discount or another benefit based on the customer’s decision to provide or not provide the consent.
COMMENT
1. Stated need for the bill
According to the author:
California Broadband Internet Privacy Act (CalBIPA) was drafted to ensure that consumers enjoy choice, transparency and security in the treatment of their personal information when accessing the internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Earlier this year, Congress and the Trump Administration approved Senate Joint Resolution 34 that repealed the privacy rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under President Obama to give broadband internet consumers greater control over their personal information.
These privacy rules, which were developed over the course of several years and reflected extensive public comment, were described by the FCC at the time as built on widely accepted privacy principles that would have required ISPs to provide their customers with meaningful choice, while keeping customer data secure and giving ISPs the flexibility to continue to innovate. In April, those rules were eliminated on a largely party line vote. However, the public does not see privacy as a partisan issue. One poll conducted in March of this year found that 80% of Democrats and 75% of Republicans wanted the President to veto the repeal bill and allow the FCC privacy rules to take effect. With AB 375, California is going to restore what Washington stripped away.
[ . . . ]
CalBIPA gives California consumers the right to decide how their personal information is used and shared by ISP providers, enhances transparency and puts the consumer back in the driver’s seat to make their own privacy decisions.
In support, a coalition of privacy rights, consumer rights, and civil liberty organizations writes:
Providers of broadband internet service have a unique and powerful role in today’s online ecosystem. Their position as internet gatekeepers gives them a comprehensive view of individual consumer behavior, one that consumers cannot readily avoid or shield themselves from when they use necessary internet services. The power of the internet service provider is further enhanced by the lack of competition that presently exists for high-speed access. According to the latest FCC data, 41 percent of Americans have only one company offering high-speed broadband access in their community.
As the role of the internet in the daily lives of consumers increases, this means an increased potential for data collection of personal information and sensitive facts about ones daily life. The shadow of surveillance can create a chilling effect on speech, association, and online commerce, and even increase the potential for data-driven discrimination, governmental overreach, and the theft of highly personal information. By contrast, strong protections that enhance Californians’ confidence would encourage greater adoption and use of the internet, as individual comfort and trust leads individuals to conduct even more of their everyday business online.
AB 375 would provide Californians’ with increased choice, transparency, and security thereby enhancing their privacy and autonomy. The California Broadband Internet Privacy Act [ . . . ] would prohibit pay-for-privacy schemes, where internet service providers penalize customers for not providing such consent. Furthermore, it would also require that internet service providers maintain reasonable security procedures and practices to protect collected data.
Electronic Frontier Foundation, in support of the legislation, writes:
Earlier this year President Trump and Congress enacted S.J. Res. 34, invoking the Congressional Review Act to repeal the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband privacy rules. The repeal eliminated recently updated privacy rules for broadband providers and prohibited the FCC from reviving identical or “substantially similar” rules in the future.
[. . . ]
We support efforts to utilize state power to close the potential gap created by Congress and the FCC through legislation and other means of state authority to protect individual consumer privacy.
2. The FCC Rules were intended to clarify what Internet service providers must do to protect customer information
Federal law requires broadband providers to protect customer information. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 222.) However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sought to clarify, through the rulemaking process, the privacy protections with regard to sensitive data that broadband providers collect. The author seeks to preserve the FCC finalized rules that provide clarity regarding internet service providers’ treatment of consumer information but could not take effect because President Trump and Congress killed the rules through SJR 34 (Public Law 115-22). The rules would have given consumers additional control regarding internet service providers’ use of data they collect. For example, the rules would have required that the internet service provider receive explicit consent from consumers before “sensitive data,” as defined, would be shared or sold.
The FCC Rules (Rules) contain definitions of “personally identifiable information,” “sensitive customer proprietary information,” “opt-in approval,” and “opt-out approval,” and requirements regarding when opt-in or opt-out approval is required by internet service providers and what protections attach to “personally identifiable information” and “sensitive customer proprietary information.”
The Rules define “personally identifiable information” as any information that is linked or reasonably linkable to an individual or device. The Rules define “sensitive customer proprietary information” as including: financial information; health information; information pertaining to children; social security numbers; precise geo-location information; content of communications; call detail information; and web browsing history, application usage history, and the functional equivalents of either.
The Rules provide that a telecommunications carrier must obtain opt-out approval from a customer to use, disclose, or permit access to any of the customer’s non-sensitive customer proprietary information. If it so chooses, a telecommunications carrier may instead obtain opt-in approval from a customer to use, disclose, or permit access to any of the customer’s non-sensitive customer proprietary information.
The Rules provide that a telecommunications carrier must obtain opt-in approval from a customer to: use, disclose, or permit access to any of the customer’s sensitive customer proprietary information; or make any material retroactive change—i.e., a material change that would result in a use disclosure, or permission of access to any of the customer’s proprietary information previously collected by the carrier for which the customer did not previously grant approval, either through opt-in or opt-out consent, as specified.
Since the Rules had been approved and Internet service providers should have been gearing up to comply with the Rules, it is arguably appropriate for California to require that the Internet service providers adhere to a new state law that would mirror the FCC Rules. As in print, AB 375, on the other hand, would provide that an Internet service provider may use, disclose, sell, or permit access to customer personal information if the customer gives the Internet service provider opt-in consent, which may be revoked by the customer at any time, as specified. AB 375 does not distinguish between “sensitive” customer information and non-sensitive personal information. AB 375 also does not provide for an “opt-out” mechanism for certain types of information, as the Rules do. AB 375 would define “customer personal information” as information collected from or about an individual customer or user of the customer’s subscription that is made available to the Internet service provider by a customer or user of the customer’s subscription solely by virtue of the provider-customer relationship, including: (1) name and billing information; (2) government-issued identifiers, including social security number; (3) information that would permit the physical or online contacting of an individual, such as physical address, email, phone number, or IP address; (4) demographic information, such as date of birth, age, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation; (5) financial information; (6) health information; (7) information pertaining to minors; (8) geolocation information; (9) information for the use of the service, such as Web browsing history, application usage history, content of communications, and origin and destination Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of all traffic; (10) device identifiers, such as media access control (MAC) address or Internet mobile equipment identity (IMEI); and (11) information concerning a customer or user of the customer’s subscription that is collected or made available and is maintained in personally identifiable form. As such, AB 375 is more protective of customer information than the Rules. In other words, AB 375 contains a single category of personal information governed by an opt-in requirement, instead of two categories governed by opt–in requirements for sensitive data and opt-out requirements for non-sensitive data as in the Rules.
AB 375 also differs from the Rules by prohibiting arrangements whereby consumers can pay more when they decline to share their personal information or get a discount for agreeing to share more of their personal information. AB 375 also includes a provision whereby the Internet service providers are restricted from retaining customer personal information beyond a period reasonably necessary to provide service.
Both the Rules and AB 375 require that the consent mechanism be clear and conspicuous, in a comprehensible language, not misleading, available at no additional cost, persistently available, and given effect promptly. Both the Rules and AB 375 prohibit the waiver of rights and refusal of service for non-consent. And, both the Rules and AB 375 require reasonable security measures to protect customer information from unauthorized use, disclosure, or access.
The author’s office responds that differences between the FCC privacy rules and AB 375, primarily the broader definition of customer personal information and the prohibition on “pay-for-privacy,” are necessary and logical extensions of the bill’s purpose to grant greater control to consumers over their sensitive information in an equitable manner. The author writes:
The definition itself was expanded simply for the purpose of providing more complete protection for personal information, an aim that is well-established throughout California legislation. For example, AB 375 includes in its protections information about a person’s gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion and sexual orientation – information that has and continues to be used to discriminate against individuals in a variety of contexts (financial, political, commercial, etc.). The FCC rules, for whatever reason, did not protect such information, and we saw no reason to remain bound to that decision by continuing to withhold protection for such information.
The FCC rules also permitted ‘pay-for-privacy’ arrangements, but for reasons of equity we did not think it fair to allow them in AB 375. The problem with pay-for-privacy schemes, even with the disclosures permitted under the FCC rules, is that they make privacy into a luxury. Regardless of whether prices are raised for those who refuse to opt-in to unnecessary sharing, or lowered for those who agree to it, people with fewer financial means would be forced into the terrible position of having to choose between their own informational privacy - and buying gas or groceries. Privacy is a right in California, not a privilege, and ISPs should not use pay-for-privacy as a means to monetize the lives of customers who have few other viable options.
The author has agreed to gut the contents of this bill and amend in provisions that mirror the FCC Rule. Additionally, the author has agreed to add a provision that would prohibit an Internet service provider from refusing to serve a customer, or in any way limit services to a customer, who does not provide the consent; or charging a customer a penalty, or penalize a customer in any way, or offer a customer a discount or another benefit based on the customer’s decision to provide or not provide the consent. This provision is referred to, by the author, as the “pay-for-privacy” provision.
4. Internet Service Providers and Tech industry Opposition
Opponents criticize this bill for placing more restrictions on internet service providers than were in the repealed FCC rules. Specifically, in opposition, a coalition of internet service providers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint, among others, wrote:
The bill is an overreaction to Congressional action repealing privacy rules passed by the Federal Communications Commission that were never in effect. Importantly, Congressional action did nothing to take away existing privacy protections from consumers, including protections in Section 222 of the Communications Act. As both FCC Chairman Wheeler, under the Obama administration, and current FCC Chairman Pai have testified, the FCC retains the right to continue to bring enforcement actions for privacy violations under their statute.
This coalition also raises a concern regarding the burden on internet service providers that AB 375 will place. The coalition writes:
An increasingly complex patchwork of state rules is inconsistent with the provision of a communications service that is essentially interstate in nature.
The coalition also notes:
[. . . ] AB 375 ignores any distinction between publicly available and non-identifiable information as highly sensitive personally identifiable information. Instead, the bill compels an overbroad and unworkable opt-in consent mandate. Multiple opt-in notices will confuse and frustrate consumers using our services to access the internet.
A coalition of advertising and marketing association, including the Data & Marketing Association, Association of National Advertisers, and American Advertising Federation writes the following in opposition:
The recent repeal of the [FCC] Broadband Privacy Rules does not mean that consumers will be left unprotected. In fact, Internet Service Providers (“ISPs”) have been and will continue to be substantially regulated at the federal level. Prior to the FCC’s decision to adopt the Broadband Privacy Rules, it issued a wide-ranging enforcement advisory opinion, making it clear that the Communications Act (Section 222) applies to ISPs. The guidance continues to apply today.
This coalition asserts the following points in opposition to AB 375:
- consumers and businesses can rely on the federal approach to privacy;
- AB 375’s definition of customer personal information is overly broad;
- AB 375 is unreasonably restrictive;
- enforceable voluntary self-regulation effectively regulates web-viewing and application use data;
- AB 375 has not undergone adequate review or analysis; and
- AB 375 would stifle economic growth and innovation.
Another coalition in opposition, that includes the California Chamber of Commerce, asserts the following points in opposition to the bill:
- the bill rushes to fix a problem that doesn’t exist;
- AB 375 will hurt consumers;
- AB 375 disregards accepted definitions of personal information;
- AB 375 provides for ongoing regulations that increase the burden; and
- creating a restrictive California-only regime that disrupts established internet business models would hurt California consumers.
In opposition to the bill, AT&T notes that the “imposition of onerous privacy regulations solely on Internet service providers – and not other companies that collect and use consumer data – would give consumers a false sense of security that their online privacy is being protected. As federal and state governments have long recognized, consumer privacy laws should be based on the sensitivity of the data involved and how it is being used, not the company holding the data.”
Staff notes that customers generally must pay for Internet service provider services in order to access the internet. Customers do not have access to free internet and must pay for service through an Internet service provider. Customers, on the other hand, can move from one free edge provider to another. In other words, if a customer does not want to search through google.com, the customer can search through DuckDuckGo or another Web site.
In sum, the primary concerns raised by the opposition are with regard to the language currently in AB 375 which is more expansive than the FCC Rules. Since the author has agreed to gut the current contents of AB 375 and replace them with a state appropriate mirror of the FCC Rules, much of the concern raised by the opposition should be moot.
Support: Access Humboldt; American Civil Liberties Union of California; Calegislation; California Association of Competitive Telecommunications Companies; California Alliance for Retired Americans; California Center for Rural Policy; California Low-Income Consumer Coalition; CalPIRG; Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood; Center for Democracy & Technology; Center for Digital Democracy; Center for Media Justice; City and County of San Francisco; Color of Change; Common Sense Kids Action; Consumer Action; Consumer Assistance Council; Consumer Federation of America; Consumer Federation of California; Consumers Union; Consumer Watchdog; Credo Mobile; Cruzio Internet; Digital Privacy Alliance; Edwin Lee, Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco; Electronic Frontier Foundation; John Garamendi, Member of Congress; Maxine Waters, Member of Congress; Media Alliance; New America’s Open Technology Institute; Oakland Privacy; Online Trust Alliance; Pacific Internet; Privacy Rights Clearinghouse; Public Law; Sonic; Spiral Internet; Tekify; Telnexus; The Utilities Reform Network; Unwired Ltd.; Wilson Creek Communications
Opposition: American Advertising Federation; American Association of Advertising Agencies; Association of National Advertisers; AT&T; Bay Area Council; CalCom; California Cable & Telecommunications Association; California Chamber of Commerce; California Communications Association; California Manufacturers and Technology Association; California Retailers Association; Cambodian-American Chamber of Commerce; Computing Technology Industry Association; Consolidated Communications Inc.; Consumer Data Industry Association; Data & Marketing Association; Frontier Communications; Interactive Advertising Bureau; Internet Coalition; Network Advertising Initiative; Sprint; State Privacy and Security Coalition; TechNet; T-Mobile USA; Tracfone; Verizon
HISTORY
Source: Author
Related Pending Legislation: SB 327 (Jackson, 2017) would, among other things, have protected children from being recorded through internet connected devices without parental knowledge. This bill is currently on the Senate Floor.
Prior Legislation: None Known
Prior Vote:
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee (Ayes 9, Noes 1)
Assembly Floor (Ayes 77, Noes 0)
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee (Ayes 10, Noes 0)
**************
(See FCC Rules In the Matter of Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and other Telecommunications Services, WC Docket No. 16-106, FCC-16-148 (Oct. 27, 2016) <https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-16-148A1.pdf> [as of July 17, 2017].) ↑
Senate Joint Resolution 34 invoked the Congressional Review Act to repeal the FCC internet service provider broadband privacy rules. ↑
See July 5, 2017 letter of support by Congressman John Garamendi describing how the “FCC rule that Congress eliminated was developed over several years with careful consideration of extensive public comment and input from industry experts.” ↑
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, UTILITIES AND COMMUNICATIONS
Senator Ben Hueso, Chair
2017 - 2018 Regular
Bill No: AB 375 Hearing Date: 7/18/2017
Author: | Chau | ||
Version: | 6/19/2017 As Amended | ||
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | No |
Consultant: | Nidia Bautista | ||
SUBJECT: Internet service providers: customer privacy
DIGEST: This bill would enact the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act that would prohibit an Internet service provider (ISP) from using, disclosing, selling, or permitting access to customer personal information, except as provided.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Prohibits a telephone corporation from making available to any other person or corporation, without first obtaining the residential subscriber’s consent, in writing, any of the following: subscriber’s personal calling patterns, the residential subscriber’s credit or other personal financial information, the services which the residential subscriber purchases from the corporation or from independent suppliers of information services, demographic information about individual residential subscribers. Requires the telephone corporation to provide the identity of each person or corporation to whom the information has been released, if written consent for its release has been provided. Exempts specified information releases from the requirements, including: in relation to law enforcement request, emergency response, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements, and others. Provides that every violation is grounds for a civil suit by the aggrieved residential subscriber. (Public Utilities Code §2891)
- Requires that all charges, practices, classifications, and regulations for and in connection with such communication service, shall be just and reasonable, and any such charge, practice, classification, or regulation that is unjust or unreasonable is declared to be unlawful. Authorizes the FCC to prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary in the public interest to carry out the provisions of this chapter. (47 United States Code §201 (b))
- Requires every telecommunications carrier with a duty to protect the confidentiality of proprietary information of, among others, customers. Requires a telecommunications carrier that receives or obtains customer proprietary information from another carrier for purposes of providing any telecommunications service shall use such information only for such purpose, and prohibits the use of that information for its own marketing efforts. Requires a telecommunications carrier to disclose customer proprietary network information (CPNI), upon affirmative written request by the customer, to any person designated by the customer. (47 United States Code §222 (a))
- Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prevent persons, partnerships and corporations from using unfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce, except under exempted conditions, including those of common carriers. (15 United States Code §45 (a)(1))
- Requires an operator of a commercial website or online service that collects personally identifiable information about individual consumers residing in California who use or visit its commercial web site or online service to conspicuously post its privacy policy on its website or in the case of an online service, make that policy available. Requires, among the provisions of the law, the website operator to identify the categories of personally identifiable information the operator collects, a description of the process, if any, for an individual consumer to review and request changes to their personally identifiable information, a description of the process by which the operator notifies consumers who use or visit its commercial website, disclose how the operator responds to web browser “do not track” signals, and disclose whether other parties may collect personally identifiable information about an individual consumer’s online activities over time and across different websites. (Business & Professions Code §22575)
- Defines “personally identifiable information” per the above requirements, as information about an individual consumer collected online by the operator from that individual and maintained by the operator in an accessible form, including as specified. (Business & Professions Code §22577)
- Prohibits an operator of an Internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application, as specified, from marketing specified types of products or services to a minor. Prohibits an operator from knowingly allowing a third party to use, disclose, or compile, to personal information of a minor for the purpose of marketing or advertising specified types of products (including alcoholic beverages, firearms and ammunition, and others). (Business and Professions Code §22580)
- Authorizes the State Attorney General to prosecute for unfair business competition, false advertising, or fraudulent business practices any business that violates any of California’s privacy protection laws. (Business & Professions Code §17200)
This bill:
- Establishes the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act and states the intent of the Legislature is to give consumers greater control over their personal information when accessing the Internet through an ISP and thereby protect their own privacy and autonomy.
- States it is the Legislature’s intent that the consumer protections in this bill be interpreted broadly and any exceptions interpreted narrowly in order to maximize individual privacy and autonomy.
- Enacts the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act that would prohibit an ISP from using, disclosing, selling, or permitting access to customer personal information, except as provided in that act.
- Defines “customer” to mean a current or former subscriber to the Internet access service or an applicant for Internet access service.
- Defines “customer personal information” to mean information collected from or about an individual customer or user of the customer’s subscriptions that is made available to the ISP by a customer or user of the customer’s subscription solely by virtue of the provider-customer relationship, including:
- Name and billing information.
- Government-issued identifiers, including social security number.
- Information that would permit the physical or online contacting of an individual, such as physical address, email address, phone number, or IP address.
- Demographic information, such as date of birth, age, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation.
- Financial information.
- Health information.
- Information pertaining to minors.
- Geolocation information.
- Authorizes a customer to give prior opt-in consent, which may be revoked by the customer at any time, to an ISP to use, disclose, sell, or permit access to that customer’s personal information.
- Prohibits an ISP from refusing to serve or to limit service to a customer who does not provide consent or charging a customer a penalty or offering a customer a discount or another benefit based on the customer’s decision to provide consent.
- Authorizes an ISP to use, disclose, or permit access to customer personal information, without customer approval, for specified limited purposes, unless otherwise prohibited by state law. These purposes would include to comply with other laws or an administrative or court order, to bill and collect for Internet access services, and to provide location information concerning a customer.
- Requires an ISP to maintain reasonable security procedures to protect customers’ personal information.
- Establishes that the requirements of this chapter apply to ISPs operating within California when providing Internet access services to customers who are residents of and physically located in California.
Background
Broadband Internet Service Providers. Broadband internet access service is generally high-speed internet access that is faster than the traditional 'dial-up' service. These services include transmission over digital subscriber line, cable modem, and fiber. The companies that provide the access are ISPs. ISPs range in size from well-known companies like AT&T, Comcast, Frontier and Verizon to smaller, regional firms like Pacific Internet and Sonic. ISP companies provide the “on-ramp” to the Internet, usually with a required monthly subscription fee for the service. ISPs have access to vast amounts of information about their customers including when we are online, what devices we use to access the Internet, what websites we visit, and what applications we use.
The Federal Trade Commission. The FTC has been the chief federal agency on privacy policy and enforcement since the 1970s, when it began enforcing one of the first federal privacy laws – the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Since then, rapid changes in technology have raised new privacy challenges, but the FTC’s overall approach has been consistent: The agency uses law enforcement, policy initiatives, and consumer and business education to protect consumers’ personal information and ensure that they have the confidence to take advantage of the many benefits of the ever-changing marketplace. The FTC investigates and prosecutes commercial issues like false advertising, fraud and unfair competition, and can seek settlements or enforce compliance for a wide range of violations. FTC is also the Chief Federal Agency for Privacy Enforcement, and can use the authority of the Federal Trade Commission Act to punish unfair and deceptive acts and practices against consumers, as well as enforce other existing federal laws.
The Federal Communications Commission. The FCC regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the FCC is the United States' primary authority for communications law, regulation and technological innovation. The agency is directed by five commissioners who are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The president also selects one of the commissioners to serve as chairman. Only three commissioners can be of the same political party at any given time and none can have a financial interest in any commission-related business. All commissioners, including the chairman, have five-year terms, except when filling an unexpired term.
FCC Regulation of Privacy. One important element of FCC oversight is the impact of the Telecommunications Act's privacy provisions, specifically Section 222. Nominally protective of consumer privacy, Section 222 states generally that "Every telecommunications carrier has a duty to protect the confidentiality" of customers' information. It goes on to say that a telecommunications service provider can only "use, disclose, or permit access to individually identifiable customer proprietary network information" to provide the service, "[e]xcept as required by law or with the approval of the customer…" Furthermore, the FCC has a long history of protecting customer privacy in the telecommunications sector. Section 705 (47 U.S. Code §605) of the Telecommunications Act is one of the oldest sector-specific privacy requirements and protects the privacy of information carried by communications service providers.
Reclassification of Broadband as Common Carrier. ISPs have traditionally been viewed as “information services” subject to Title I of the Telecommunications Act. As such, ISP privacy requirements and oversight had been overseen by the FTC, not the FCC. "Information services" (like broadband internet access had been) became exempt from FCC regulation after the D.C. Circuit decisions of Comcast vs. FCC and Verizon vs. FCC, because they were different from "tele-communications" services and not subject to common carrier rules. However, the FCC’s adoption of the 2015 Open Internet Order reclassified ISPs as “common carriers” – much like other utilities – subject to Title II of the Telecommunications Act. Since the federal law governing FTC oversight explicitly exempts the FTC’s Section 5 oversight jurisdiction over common carriers, the FCC now created a regulatory gap in oversight as it related to privacy. In recognition of the common carrier exemption and the gap in regulation as it related to privacy, the FCC acknowledged the need for privacy rules for ISPs under the FCC’s jurisdiction now that ISPs were reclassified as common carriers.
FCC Broadband Privacy Rulemaking. In March 2016, the FCC adopted the Broadband Privacy Notice for Proposed Rulemaking which solicited public comment on a proposed framework for applying longstanding privacy requirements of the Telecommunications Act on broadband ISPs. The end result was the FCC’s adoption of the Order, "In the Matter of Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services"(WC Docket No. 16-106), formally adopted October 27, 2016. These rules were based on a philosophy of transparency, choice, and security, and could be characterized as having six major provisions: 1) opt-in approval for use and sharing of sensitive customer information, 2) opt-out approval for use and sharing of non-sensitive customer information, 3) exemptions to permit a wide range of use and sharing for acceptable purposes, 4) data breach notifications, 5) reasonable security practices, and 6) a ban on conditioning service on consent to unnecessary use and sharing. In order to give ISPs time to prepare for the transition, the rules included phase-in delays for certain provisions: 90 days for data security requirements, 30 days for prohibition on conditional service, six months for data breach notice requirements, and 12 months for the opt-in/opt-out provisions.
Presidential Election Has Consequences. During the Presidential election campaign and leading up to it, then-candidate Donald Trump had commented, via twitter, his desire to do away with Obama-era net neutrality rules. As such, after the 2016 Presidential election, the tide quickly shifted on the issue of net neutrality and most experts believed the privacy rules, and the Open Internet Order, were vulnerable to a repeal by the Trump Presidential Administration. In March of 2017, Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 34 was introduced by Senator Jeff Flake pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which gives Congress an expedited means to review and overrule new federal regulations. The CRA also prohibits agencies from issuing a new rule substantially similar to the revoked one unless specifically authorized by Congress – which has highly significant implications for ongoing FCC authority in this area. By the end of March, SJR 34 had been passed, and on April 3, 2017 the measure was signed by President Trump – revoking the FCC ISP privacy rules and preventing the FCC from regulating further on the matter. The future legal obligations of ISPs remain in flux at the federal level. The new FCC Chairman, Ajit Pai, who has been on the FCC and was a dissenting vote on both net neutrality and the broadband privacy rules, has recently instituted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to proposing to roll back the network neutrality rules of ISPs and again reclassify broadband as information service providers, thus eliminating their legal obligations under Section 222 of the Telecommunications Act once again. Should the FCC Chairman reclassify broadband as information services, the FCC would effectively have no legal authority to implement and enforce broadband privacy rules.
Broadband Providers – Notable Experiments with Customer Information. For years broadband providers have tested the waters on how best to capture and monetize their customer’s activities. According to supporters, in 2008, Charter Communications deployed deep packet inspection technology in a handful of test markets to capture the full activity of their users for purposes of creating and selling profiles through a company called NebuAd. Due to political push back from Congressman Joe Barton (R-TX) and Congressman Edward Markey (D-MA), the cable company quickly backed down and NebuAd went into bankruptcy. Supporters also note that in 2011, Charter Communications, Cogent, DirecPC, Frontier, Wide Open West partnered with a 3rd party company known as Paxfire to follow the Internet searches of their users and attempted to force users towards certain products based on their search query. As of 2015 around 20 million to 25 million mobile users are part of a partnership between telecom carriers and Ad Adage, a data monitoring company, that takes demographic, geo-location, and web browsing history data revealed from cell phone activities and sells it to retailers in order to get a leg up on their competitors. To date, it is unknown who Ad Adage partners with in the ISP market. In 2014, Verizon installed on every phone a “supercookie” that followed all of the activities of their customers and gave third-party advertisers access to that information. For years Verizon did not provide an opt-out mechanism or means to simply delete the cookie while not disclosing the tracking. AT&T briefly entertained utilizing the same technology but ultimately activity by these companies were brought to an end by federal enforcement actions by both the FCC and FTC where Verizon paid a fine of $1.35 million and provided customers with an opt-in as part of its settlement.
This bill. AB 375 reflects many of the provisions in the FCC’s Privacy rules, however, it is also considerably different. Among the consistent approaches, both this bill and the FCC rules provide: for opt-in customer consent required to use, disclose, sell or permit access to specified customer information; requires the consent mechanism to be clear and conspicuous, available at no additional cost, persistently available; specific requirements for reasonable security measures; and prohibits consumer waiver of rights and conditions for service based on consent of sharing information. Much of the language is similar, although, this bill is generally more expansive than the FCC rules. Although the FCC did note that their list of identifiers and rules were not intended to be comprehensive and exclusive, particularly in light of the ever-changing technology. Whereas the FCC rules provided categories of information (opt-in requirements for sensitive data, opt-out requirements for non-sensitive data). AB 375 offers a single category of personal information all governed by an opt-in requirement with no similar distinction of sensitive and non-sensitive data. Additionally, AB 375 includes some data not explicitly mentioned in the FCC rules, such as demographic data. However, the mention of demographic data is consistent with existing state privacy requirements on telephone corporations, as noted in Public Utilities Code §2891.
Harmonization. Opponents of this bill argue that this bill will create a patchwork of rules for a service that is interstate. It is true that state efforts to adopt rules on broadband providers could very likely result in a patchwork of regulation. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, over twenty states are exploring or proposing efforts to adopt broadband privacy rules. There is no question that were each state to adopt different rules, these would be difficult, and with potential costs, for the providers to implement. However, it is also true that the FCC’s recent repeal of the privacy rules have left a gap in privacy oversight since the FTC is limited in its ability to regulate common carriers. Ironically, the repeal of the FCC’s privacy rules also resulted in the repeal of the preemption on states to adopt privacy policies that may be inconsistent with the federal rules. An additional wrench is the FCC’s efforts to undo the Open Internet Rules, would result in reverting broadband service back to jurisdictional oversight by the FTC.
Level Playing Field. Opponents of this bill argue that instituting privacy rules on broadband service providers while not instituting similar rules on web-based services, such as Google and Facebook (also known as edge providers), creates an un-level playing field since these services can collect significant information about the user. It’s important to note that the FCC explored this argument thoroughly in the Privacy Rules decision. The FCC drew a distinction among these services, stating that “edge providers only see a slice of any given consumers internet traffic. Paid services generally do not come with an expectation of exposure to unsolicited advertisement and the broadband provider has the subscriber’s name, address, phone number and bill history.” The FCC stated that broadband providers, who control the subscriber’s on-ramp to the Internet, have a privileged position to know much more about individual subscriber. Additionally, the FCC noted that many communities have little choice in broadband providers, but they do have choices as it relates to edge providers.
Limits of Encryption. According to the FCC, encryption can significantly help protect the privacy of consumer content from broadband providers. However, Providers still maintain access to a significant amount of private information about their customer’s online activity, including what websites a customer has visited, how long and during what hours of the day, and the customer’s location. The FCC noted that truly pervasive encryption on the Internet is still a long way off.
Role of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). AB 375 provides that the CPUC and the FCC may determine what encompasses “Internet access service” if either finds a service providing a functional equivalent service.
Enforcement? This bill does not specify any specific enforcement action. As a result, it is unclear exactly whether or how enforcement would be handled. Conceivably, since the state attorney general already has authority to enforce privacy law violations, it’s likely that authority would extend to enforcing these rules. However, it may be unlikely that the attorney general’s office would take action against a provider for violations against a limited few. In which case, those subscribers would have little recourse to address their grievances. However, this issue may be better addressed in the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
Device Identifiers. Some of the opposition to this bill express concern and opposition with the mention of device identifiers among the list of customer personal information defined in this bill. However, inclusion of device identifiers is consistent with the FCC Order which makes explicit mention that such information is appropriate to include among a non-exhaustive list of CPNI which is a category of customer personal information that was protected.
Financial Incentives and Disincentives. AB 375 prohibits a broadband provider from charging a customer a penalty, or penalize a customer, or offer a customer a discount or another benefit based on the customer’s decision to provide or not provide consent to disclose the customer’s information. This provision is not consistent with the FCC rules which allows a provider to offer a financial incentive in exchange for customer participation in sharing their information, but with specified conditions regarding transparency and disclosure of the terms and conditions, including opt-in and opt-out provisions.
Data Security. Whereas the FCC rules provide some flexibility on the data security requirements based on the size of the telecommunications carrier, AB 375 provides no similar provision. Instead, this bill requires every broadband provider to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices.
Non-English Speaking Customers. The FCC rules include provisions that require broadband providers to provide translated materials and information regarding the privacy rules, terms and conditions. However, AB 375 does not include such a requirement.
Triple Referral. This bill was withdrawn by the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development. Should this bill be approved by this committee, it will be re-referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary for its consideration.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
SUPPORT:
Access Humboldt
ACLU of California
American Civil Liberties Union of California
Calegislation
California Alliance for Retired Americans
California Association of Competitive Telecommunications Companies
California Center for Rural Policy
California Low-Income Consumer Coalition
California Public Interest Research Group
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood
Center for Democracy and Technology
Center for Digital Democracy
Center for Media Justice
City and County of San Francisco
Color of Change
Common Sense Kids Action
Consumer Action
Consumer Assistance Council
Consumer Federation of America
Consumer Federation of California
Consumers Union
Consumer Watchdog
Credo Mobile
Cruzio Internet
Digital Privacy Alliance
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Media Alliance
New America’s Open Technology Institute
Oakland Privacy
Online Trust Alliance
Pacific Internet
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Public Law Center
San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee
Sonic
Spiral Internet
Tekify
Telnexus
The Utility Reform Network
Unwired Ltd.
US Congressman, 5th District, John Garamendi
Wilson Creek Communications
OPPOSITION:
American Advertising Federation
American Association of Advertising Agencies
Association of National Advertisers
AT&T
Bay Area Council
Calcom
California Cable & Telecommunications Association
California Chamber of Commerce
California Communications Association
California Manufacturers and Technology Association
California Retailers Association
Cambodian-American Chamber of Commerce
Computing Technology Industry Association
Consolidated Communications Inc.
Consumer Data Industry Association
CTIA
Data & Marketing Association
Frontier Communications
Interactive Advertising Bureau
Network Advertising Initiative
Sprint
State Privacy and Security Coalition
T-Mobile
TechNet
TracFone
Verizon
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author:
"California Broadband Internet Privacy Act was drafted to ensure that consumers enjoy choice, transparency and security in the treatment of their personal information when accessing the internet through an ISP. Earlier this year, Congress and the Trump Administration approved Senate Joint Resolution 34 that repealed the privacy rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under President Obama to give broadband internet consumers greater control over their personal information. AB 375 would require that ISPs get opt-in consent from consumers in order to use, disclose, sell or permit access to customer personal information. It also prohibits providers from charging a consumer a penalty, offering a discount, or refusing to provide service, based on the consumer’s opt-in decision. It allows consumers the right to opt-out of the ISP's communication-related service marketing, but permits providers to aggregate customer information into anonymized data sets for use, disclosure, or sharing.”
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION: In expressing opposition, AT&T states AB 375 “creates consumer confusion with regard to use of online data, leading a diminished Internet experience.” AT&T further states “a patchwork of state Internet privacy rules that are inconsistent with existing federal privacy standards would not benefit consumers.”
The California Cable & Telecommunications Association opposes AB 375 stating this bill “is unnecessary, is inconsistent with enforceable privacy requirements, would impose unnecessary notice requirements and threatens to create a patchwork of state privacy laws for a service that is interstate in nature.”
-- END --
Date of Hearing: May 2, 2017
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON PRIVACY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
Ed Chau, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 375 (
Author:Chau) – As Amended Ver:April 27, 2017
SUBJECT: Video arcades
SUMMARY: Deletes an obsolete requirement for video game arcades to provide brochures about video game rating systems to customers upon request.
EXISTING LAW:
- Requires a video arcade to post a notice to consumers regarding the availability of a video arcade game rating system, and specifies the format and placement of the notice. (Business and Professions Code Section (BPC) 20600)
- Requires the video arcade to make available to consumers upon request a brochure that explains the video arcade game rating system. (BPC 20601)
- Defines a video arcade to mean a premises where minors are legally permitted to conduct business, ten or more video game machines or devices are operated, and one or more of the video game machines or devices are rated "red" or five or more of the machines or devices are rated "yellow." (BPC 20602)
FISCAL EFFECT: None. This bill has been keyed nonfiscal by the Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose of this bill: This bill is intended to simplify consumer protection laws and reduce the risk of frivolous litigation by deleting an obsolete notice requirement pertaining to video arcade game rating systems. This bill is author-sponsored.
- Author's statement: According to the author, "While technology often evolves quickly, the law does not always keep pace. Video game arcades, once a staple of entertainment and social activity for American youth, have declined in prevalence as video games became available on home consoles. A few arcades do still exist, however, but certain antiquated notification requirements at those arcades persist as well. For example, state law still requires arcades that admit minors to keep printed brochures on hand that explain industry game rating systems – a requirement that became obsolete with the rise of smartphones years ago. Parents also get guidance from ratings stickers on the machines themselves and the notification posters at the arcade required in state law. But let's give small business owners one less thing to worry about and retire the unnecessary brochure requirement."
- The Parental Advisory System (PAS): According to the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA), the coin-operated amusement industry worked with Congress and child advocacy organizations to develop a system to allow parents and minors to easily discern the content of arcade-style video games through the use of a color-coded "traffic light" style system. The PAS system, which was first developed in 1994, is separate from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board system for rating home console video games.
According to AAMA, this system is part of an industry wide code of conduct, that requires all newly manufactured games to carry the coding either in the artwork, on a sticker affixed to the game header or in the game's attract mode.
The PAS system uses color-coded labels, like traffic lights, to signal mature content. Red signifies "strong content", which includes visual representations of violence that are extensive, life-like or overtly graphic. Yellow signifies "mild content", where visual representations of violence are present, but are minimal, clearly animation, or not very graphic. Green signifies "suitable for all ages", where there is no visual representation of violence within the game.
California's existing law requires video arcades that admit minors, have ten or more machines, and have at least one machine rated red or five machines rated yellow to post a notice to consumers about the PAS in a conspicuous place, and to maintain brochures about PAS as well in case a consumer requests one. However, information about the PAS, including guidance for parents, images of the poster and stickers, frequently asked questions, and a ratings list for games in circulation are available online, including on the AAMA website: coin-op.org.
- Previous legislation: AB 1956 (Vargas), Chapter 748, Statutes of 2002, requires video game arcades to post notices as specified, and make brochures available upon request, regarding video game rating systems.
- Previous version of this bill: On April 27, 2017, this bill was substantially amended into its current form, and deleted language pertaining to the release of personal information by utilities.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Hank Dempsey / P. & C.P. /
Date of Hearing: March 28, 2017
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON PRIVACY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
Ed Chau, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 375 (
Author:Chau) – As Introduced Ver:February 9, 2017
SUBJECT: Public utilities: local publicly owned utilities: release of customer information
SUMMARY: Prohibits utilities, public agencies and telephone corporations from releasing certain personal and utility usage data to law enforcement without a search warrant. Specifically, this bill:
- Prohibits a public agency from making available to a law enforcement agency the name, utility usage data, and home address of a utility customer of a local agency unless it is responding to a search warrant, instead of upon any court order or investigatory request.
- Prohibits a telephone or telegraph corporation from making available to a law enforcement agency information related to personal calling patterns, credit or other financial information, purchased services, and personally identifiable demographic information unless it is in response to a search warrant, instead of in response to any lawful process.
- Prohibits the Public Utilities Commission, public utility, local publicly owned utility, or cable corporation from disclosing to a law enforcement agency personally identifiable information of a customer or aggregate information from which an individual's identity or characteristics may be determined, unless the customer is notified of the request and consents to the disclosure, or in response to a search warrant.
- Makes findings and declarations stating that this bill balances the right of the public in general, and law enforcement agencies in particular, to access relevant information about utility operations and customers, to ensure that appropriate respect is shown for individual privacy and civil rights in law enforcement matters.
- Makes various technical and non-substantive amendments.
EXISTING LAW:
- Requires, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Act), that public records, as defined, be open to inspection at all times during the hours of a state or local agency and that every person has a right to inspect any public record, with specified exceptions. Prohibits the Act from being construed to require the disclosure of certain information concerning utility customers of local agencies, but provides for the disclosure of some of that information, specifically the name, utility usage data, and home address of a utility customer, upon court order or the request of a law enforcement agency relative to an ongoing investigation. (Government Code (GC) Sections 6250, et seq.)
- Prohibits public agencies from disclosing the name, credit history, utility usage data, home address, or telephone number of utility customers of local agencies, except that disclosure of name, utility usage data, and the home address of utility customers of local agencies to a law enforcement agency will be made upon a court order or an investigatory request. (GC 6254.16)
- Authorizes an inspector or investigator who is employed in the office of a district attorney to request and receive from telephone, gas, and electric public utilities customer information limited to the full name, date of birth, social security number, address, prior address, forwarding address, place of employment, and date of service instituted, terminated, or suspended by, utility customers with a court order or subpoena if the investigation is related to a child abduction. (Public Utilities Code (PUC) Section 588)
- Prohibits telephone and telegraph corporations from releasing certain information regarding residential subscribers without their written consent, except in specified circumstances, including when information is provided to a law enforcement agency in response to lawful process. (PUC 2891)
- Prohibits an electrical corporation, gas corporation, or local publicly owned electric utility from sharing, disclosing, or otherwise making accessible to any third party a customer’s electrical or gas consumption data as specified, but does not preclude an electrical corporation or gas corporation from disclosing electrical or gas consumption data as required or permitted under state or federal law or by an order of the California Public Utilities Commission. (Penal Code (PC) Section 8380)
- Defines a search warrant as an order in writing, in the name of the people, signed by a magistrate, directed to a peace officer, commanding him or her to search for a person or persons, a thing or things, or personal property, and, in the case of a thing or things or personal property, bring the same before the magistrate. (PC 1523)
- Authorizes a search warrant to be issued for any of 14 specified grounds, including the seizure of any item or evidence that tends to show that a felony has been committed, or tends to show that a particular person has committed a felony. (PC 1524)
- Requires a search warrant be to issued upon probable cause, supported by affidavit, naming or describing the person to be searched or searched for, and particularly describing the property, thing, or things and the place to be searched. (PC 1525)
FISCAL EFFECT: None. This bill is keyed nonfiscal by the Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose of this bill: This bill is intended to better protect a utility consumer's personal information (such as name, address, usage and calling patterns) by requiring law enforcement agencies to obtain a search warrant to access personal utility records without the customer's consent. Existing law currently provides a variety of lower standards for such information. This bill is author-sponsored.
- Author's statement: According to the author, “[v]ital utilities such as water and electricity are not a luxury, and should not be used as a mechanism to infringe on an individual’s’ private information. By developing a clear standard for law enforcement to go about requesting the personal information of utility customers, AB 375 would ensure that legitimate law enforcement needs are met, while also protecting the privacy of consumers from unwarranted intrusions.”
- The sensitive nature of utility records: The author contends that utility consumer records provide an unusually sensitive look into an individual's life, but are inconsistently protected. He writes: "[s]imilar to cell phones, usage data from utilities can reveal much about the personal lives of individuals. For example, it can reveal 'personal sleep and work habits, the presence of certain medical equipment, and, of course, signal […] illegal behavior, which today prompts law enforcement to seek it in certain drug production cases.'" Additionally, utility records may also be useful for law enforcement to determine a person's place of residence, movements, and associations.
The standards for law enforcement access to these sensitive records are also inconsistent. For example, the Government Code permits the disclosure of a utility customer's name, utility usage data, and home address as a result of a court order or investigatory request by a law enforcement agency - processes which fall short of a formal warrant requirement. Similarly, restrictions on sharing of personal information by telephone companies exempt requests by law enforcement made by any 'lawful process'." - Search warrants: Both the United States and the California constitutions guarantee the right of all persons to be secure from unreasonable searches and seizures. (U.S. Const., amend. IV; Cal. Const., art. 1, sec. 13.) This protection applies to all unreasonable government intrusions into legitimate expectations of privacy. (United States v. Chadwick (1977) 433 U.S. 1, 7, overruled on other grounds by California v. Acevedo (1991) 500 U.S. 565.) In general, a search is not valid unless it is conducted pursuant to a warrant.
A search warrant may not be issued without probable cause. "Reasonable and probable cause exists if a man of ordinary care and prudence would be led to conscientiously entertain an honest and strong suspicion that the accused is guilty." (People v. Alvarado (1967) 250 Cal.App.2d 584, 591.) The mere reasonableness of a search, assessed in light of the surrounding circumstances, is not a substitute for the warrant required by the Constitution. (Arkansas v. Sanders (1979) 442 U.S. 753, 758, overruled on other grounds by California v. Acevedo, supra.) There are exceptions to the warrant requirement, but the burden of establishing an exception is on the party seeking one. (Arkansas v. Sanders (1979) 442 U.S. 753, 760, overruled on other grounds by California v. Acevedo, supra.) In California, Penal Code Section 1524 provides the statutory grounds for the issuance of a search warrant, including the seizure of any item or evidence that tends to show that a felony has been committed, or tends to show that a particular person has committed a felony.
In 2015, this Committee heard and passed SB 178 (Leno), Chapter 651, Statutes of 2015, the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act, which raised the evidentiary standards for all manner of electronic communications and metadata to require a search warrant. The author contends that this bill, like SB 178, simply harmonizes the evidentiary standards for a class of particularly sensitive personal information at an appropriately higher level.
The author acknowledges that a higher evidentiary standard could potentially slow law enforcement investigations that are operating on little evidence, but contends that the utility user information would still be reasonably accessible to law enforcement through the warrant process or the consent of the utility customer. - Arguments in support: According to the Consumer Federation of California, "Utility usage data can reveal very specific information about the personal lives of customers…The personal nature of the data collected from specific households raises legitimate questions about Fourth Amendment privacy protections. A customer’s utility usage data should be given the same right to privacy as our cell phone or email records; warrants should be required in order to obtain any usage data without the consumers consent. This bill protects the utility customer’s personal information by requiring law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant in order to access certain personal utility records without the customer’s consent."
- Arguments in opposition: According to the California State Sheriffs’ Association (CSSA), "Under existing law, law enforcement can obtain information about utility customers via court order, pursuant to a request relative to an ongoing investigation, or pursuant to a lawful process. Requiring law enforcement to obtain a search warrant before accessing these data will serve to limit local law enforcement’s ability to get important information that could be vital to interdicting criminal activity.
"For example, this bill could make it more difficult to get electric utility usage data relating to a person who could be involved in unlawful marijuana cultivation. Under current law, a law enforcement agency that is engaged in an investigation of such a criminal act could request utility usage data from a utility company that might show increased electrical usage. It is possible that the law enforcement agency might not have sufficient probable cause to seek and obtain a search warrant given the requirements of Penal Code Section 1524, which generally governs when a search warrant may issue. Imposing this barrier to law enforcement lawfully obtaining what could be important information will impede the work of criminal investigators without a corresponding public safety benefit." - Related legislation. SB 54 (De Leon) limits state and local law enforcement agencies' involvement in immigration enforcement and ensures that eligible individuals are able to seek services from and engage with state agencies without regard to their immigration status. SB 31 is currently pending on the Senate Floor.
SB 31 (Lara) enacts the California Religious Freedom Act to prohibit state or local agencies from initiating, participating in, or assisting with any program to create a religious list, registry, or database, or using information about people’s national origin or ethnicity to achieve the same basic purpose. SB 31 is currently pending on the Senate Floor.
SB 244 (Lara) requires that personal information and records containing personal information collected or obtained by the state, its subdivisions, any state agency, and any state contractors from an applicant for public services or programs only be collected, used, and retained for the purpose of assessing eligibility for and providing those public services and programs for which the application has been submitted, including a prohibition on disclosure to law enforcement without a warrant. SB 244 is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
- Double-referral: This bill is double-referred to the Assembly Communications and Conveyances Committee, where this bill will be heard if passed by this Committee.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
Consumer Federation of California
The Utility Reform Network (TURN)
Opposition
California State Sheriffs’ Association
Analysis Prepared by: Hank Dempsey / P. & C.P. /
Discussed in Hearing
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
Senate Floor
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
Senate Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):