California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a collaborative initiative among seven states and the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) to strengthen consumer privacy rights. The collaboration, named the Consortium of Privacy Regulators, aims to boost information sharing and coordination of enforcement across states, involving attorneys general from Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, New Jersey, and Oregon.
“Data knows no borders — state and nationwide coordination is vital for protecting consumers’ rights, especially in our data-driven world,” Attorney General Bonta stated. He emphasized the role of cooperation in tackling enforcement priorities and protecting Californians' privacy.
Privacy protection remains crucial due to the risks involved when personal data is mishandled, especially in the digital age, where tasks like banking and shopping increasingly occur online. Businesses that misuse personal data can trigger breaches threatening financial, health, and personal information.
California's Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) enhances consumer rights by mandating transparency in how businesses collect and handle personal information. Businesses must allow consumers to opt-out of data sales and sharing for targeted advertising, ensuring this process is straightforward.
Attorney General Bonta is actively promoting consumer education regarding privacy rights and enforcing relevant laws. Recently, he issued a consumer alert emphasizing genetic data rights under the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) and the CCPA, and initiated an investigation into the location data industry's practices, amid concerns over threats to immigrant communities and healthcare information.
Significant enforcement actions under Bonta's leadership include settlements with Sephora in 2022, DoorDash in 2023, and Tilting Point Media in 2024, all addressing CCPA violations. These actions ensure businesses are held accountable for data privacy infringements.
Additional information on the CCPA is available on the Attorney General’s official site. Consumers can report privacy violations through the online complaint system.