CCPA Compliance Checklist: 9 Points to Be Considered

Updated August 11th, 2023
CCPA Compliance Checklist

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California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) fundamentally shifts the balance of power, granting consumers more control over their personal data

However, being CCPA compliant can be daunting. That’s where this handy 9-point checklist comes in. This guide will not only help your business align with CCPA but also foster a trustworthy relationship with your consumer base.

So, we will go into the specifics and ensure that you’re not just compliant, but also primed to elevate the standards of consumer data protection

Let’s dive in!

Table of contents

  1. What are the 7 rights consumers have under the CCPA?
  2. CCPA checklist: 9 Things you cannot miss
  3. Summarizing it all together
  4. Related reads

What are the 7 rights consumers have under the CCPA?

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants several rights to consumers regarding their personal data. Here are the seven primary rights under CCPA:

  1. Right to know about personal information collected, disclosed, or sold
  2. Right to delete personal information
  3. Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
  4. Right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights
  5. Right to access personal information
  6. Right to data portability
  7. Right to know about financial incentives

Let us understand each of them in detail:

1. Right to know about personal information collected, disclosed, or sold


  • Consumers have the right to request businesses to disclose the categories and specific pieces of personal information they have collected about them.
  • This includes information about
    • The sources from which the information was collected
    • The purpose for collecting or selling the information
    • The categories of third parties with whom the business shares or sells the information.

2. Right to delete personal information


  • Consumers can request the deletion of the personal information that a business has collected from them.
  • Businesses must comply with this request, subject to certain exceptions (e.g. if the information is necessary to complete a transaction, detect security incidents, or comply with a legal obligation).

3. Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information


  • Consumers have the right to direct businesses that sell their personal information to third parties to stop such sales.
  • Businesses must provide a clear and conspicuous link on their website’s homepage titled “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” to facilitate this opt-out.

4. Right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights


  • Businesses cannot discriminate against consumers for exercising any of their CCPA rights.
  • This means businesses cannot
    • Charge different prices
    • Provide a different quality of goods or services
    • Deny goods and services to those who exercise their rights under CCPA.

5. Right to access personal information


  • Consumers can request businesses to disclose the specific pieces of personal information collected about them.
  • Upon a verifiable consumer request, businesses are required to provide, free of charge, the specific pieces of personal information they have about the consumer from the 12 months preceding the request.

6. Right to data portability


  • When consumers request access to their personal information, they have the right to receive it in a readily usable format.
  • This allows consumers to transmit information from one entity to another entity without hindrance, ensuring they have control over their data.

7. Right to know about financial incentives


  • If businesses offer financial incentives in exchange for the collection, sale, or deletion of personal information, they must inform consumers about such programs.
  • Any financial incentive offered must be reasonably related to :
    • The value of the consumer’s data
    • Ensure that consumers are not taken advantage of
    • They fully understand the nature and value of their data.

In essence, the CCPA prioritizes consumers’ rights to transparency, control, and choice concerning their personal information. As businesses strive to become CCPA compliant, it’s paramount that they deeply understand these rights and build frameworks to genuinely support and uphold them.

CCPA checklist: 9 Things you cannot miss

A CCPA compliance checklist helps businesses ensure they meet the requirements set forth by the California Consumer Privacy Act.

Here is a brief CCPA compliance checklist:

  1. Determine applicability
  2. Identify and classify data
  3. Update privacy policies
  4. Implement consumer request processes
  5. Ensure data security
  6. Protect minor’s data
  7. Vendor management
  8. Employee training
  9. Maintain records

Let us understand each of them in detail:

1. Determine applicability


  • Understand the criteria: The CCPA applies to for-profit entities doing business in California that meet one or more of the following criteria:
    • Annual gross revenues in excess of $25 million.
    • Buy, sell, receive, or share for commercial purposes the personal information of 50,000 or more consumers, households, or devices.
    • Derive 50% or more of their annual revenues from selling consumers’ personal information.

2. Identify and classify data


  • Data inventory and mapping: Determine what personal information you collect, the sources of this data, the purpose of its collection, and who you share it with.
    • This should include details like names, addresses, IP addresses, browsing history, purchase history, and more.

3. Update privacy policies


  • Transparency: Ensure your privacy policy is clear, updated annually, and explains consumers’ rights under the CCPA.
    • It should detail the categories of personal data collected, the purposes of processing, third-party sharing, and how consumers can exercise their CCPA rights.

4. Implement consumer request processes


  • Right to know and right to delete:
    • Set up a mechanism where consumers can request access to their data or its deletion.
    • This typically involves online portals, toll-free numbers, or email processes.
    • Ensure you can verify the identity of the requester and respond within 45 days.
  • Right to Opt-out
    • For businesses that sell personal information, implement a clear process for consumers to opt out.
    • This includes the “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” link on your website.

5. Ensure data security


  • Reasonable security measuresImplement security protocols that protect the personal data you hold.
    • Consider encryption, multi-factor authentication, regular security audits, and more.
    • Ensure there’s a response plan in case of data breaches.

6. Protect minor’s data


  • Opt-In consent for minors: Ensure you have the requisite consent in place.
    • Obtain explicit opt-in consent for consumers between 13 and 16 before selling their information.
    • For those under 13, obtain parental or guardian consent.

7. Vendor management


  • Third-party contracts: Review contracts with third parties and service providers to ensure they comply with CCPA guidelines.
    • Make sure they’re also handling the data in a compliant manner and have the necessary security measures in place.

8. Employee training


  • Educate your staff: Conduct regular training sessions to ensure your team understands CCPA requirements, especially those who handle consumer inquiries.
    • This ensures uniform and compliant handling of all CCPA-related requests.

9. Maintain records


  • Document consumer requests: Keep detailed records of all consumer requests and their resolutions for at least 24 months.
    • This documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance in case of audits or inquiries.

This checklist provides a roadmap for businesses to navigate the various requirements of the CCPA and ensure they’re respecting the privacy rights of Californian consumers.

Summarizing it all together

The CCPA, or the California Consumer Privacy Act, empowers consumers by giving them unprecedented control over their personal information.

Adhering to the CCPA isn’t merely about avoiding penalties; it’s about building and nurturing trust in an increasingly data-driven world.

As you reflect upon this checklist, remember that in the realm of data privacy, every step toward compliance is a leap toward a more responsible and trustworthy digital ecosystem. Embrace the journey!”

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