In October 2012, California attorney general Kamala Harris started notifying developers of mobile applications (mobile apps) that they are not in compliance with the current California privacy law governing websites and mobile app developers who gather information from visitors and users.
The California Online Privacy Protection Act requires that operators of Internet services, including social and mobile apps that collect PII (personally identifiable information) from California residents to post a privacy policy in a conspicuous place.
Companies that market mobile apps can face up to a $2,500 fine each time a mobile app is downloaded without a compliant privacy policy. Furthermore, the privacy policy must be available for the consumer to read before they download the app.
These privacy requirements apply to any operator of online services or mobile apps that do business with any California resident. Residing in another state does not protect a company if they are doing business with California residents.
Click Here to see the complete article from the California attorney general and copy of the non-compliance letter being sent to mobile app developers.
