California ready to enforce privacy law, says state AG, but Becerra silent on what constitutes sale of data
By Amy Miller ( December 16, 2019, 22:44 GMT | Insight) -- California’s attorney general didn't take a position on claims from Apple and Facebook that their data practices don't require them to comply with a requirement in the state’s new privacy law that companies create an online button consumers can click to opt out of the sale of their personal information. But companies that deal in consumer data, both big and small, should be ready to comply with the law as soon as it takes effect, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said, or they could find themselves in his crosshairs. “We’re ready for prime time,” he said.California's attorney general didn't take a position on claims from Apple and Facebook that their data practices don't require them to comply with a requirement in the state's new privacy law that companies create an online button that consumers can click to opt out of the sale of their personal information.
But companies shouldn't believe they can just use consumer data "for their own ends" without answering to consumers, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra told a group of reporters in Sacramento Monday.
He said his office will try to make the California Consumer Privacy Act "as clear and unambiguous as possible," and will help companies "understand our interpretation of the law," before and after it takes effect Jan. 1.
"We're ready for prime time," Becerra said.
Companies — both big and small — that handle California residents' data should be ready to comply on Jan. 1, he said, or they could find themselves in his offices' crosshairs. He isn't planning to extend the July 1 deadline to begin enforcement of the law, despite requests that he do so, he said.
Right after the first New Year's Eve kiss "and the champagne is put down, the law is in effect," Becerra "Everyone should recognize that there is a new law and a new sheriff in town, and they should start complying."
The CCPA is a sweeping digital privacy law that lets consumers request that their data be deleted from e-commerce websites and social media sites, and to opt out of having data sold to third parties altogether. Becerra's office proposed draft regulations around CCPA last October, and they were open to public comment until Dec. 6....
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