California Attorney General Releases Privacy Guidelines
In May 2014, Kamala Harris, California’s Attorney General, released “Making Your Privacy Policy Public.” These important guidelines were drafted to help website, blog and mobile app operators to comply with the new “Do Not Track” requirements that took effect January 1st, 2014 and the CalOPPA (California Online Privacy Protection Act.)
This was the first law in the US that imposed far-reaching requirements for privacy policies posted by online operators.
This new California law on privacy applies to all online services and commercial websites that gather personally identifiable information about people who live in California, no matter what state the online operator lives in. It requires online operators to post a privacy policy conspicuously and to explain what information they collect from users and how they use it; as well as other requirements.
And as of January 1st, 2014, they are also required to disclose how they respond to web browsers do not track settings. If you have not done so, you should have your privacy policy updated as soon as possible to comply with the new laws.
Enforcement Actions
The California Attorney General has put online operators on notice that it will pursue enforcement against those who do not comply with the law. Those who do not comply could be subject to a $2,500 fine per incident.
The guidelines issued by the California Attorney General are designed to help online operators comply with the new requirements. Click here to download the new California law on privacy guidelines.
