CCPA vs CPRA? What’s the difference in California’s Data Privacy Landscape
In this article, we'll dive into the current distinctions between CCPA and CPRA, guiding you through the essential updates and adjustments needed to ensure compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act.
On January 1, 2020, what is considered to be the toughest data privacy in the United States, became effective. The California Consumers Privacy Act (CCPA) came to enhance the privacy rights of residents in the state of California. The CCPA became effective as of July 1, 2020, and by November of 2020, an update was brought forth in the shape of Proposition 24, also known as the California Privacy Rights Act, or CPRA. Despite the fact that there is a common confusion between the two, with some believing that the CPRA replaces the CCPA, in reality, the CPRA amends the CCPA and adds additional privacy protections. The new provisions listed under the CPRA took effect as of the 1st of January 2023, and according to the Attorney General’s website, the CPRA amends the CCPA but does not create a new law. The two work together as one law, referred to as CCPA.
In the below table we take a look at a comparison between the two, highlighting the most critical differences that the CPRA brought to, for example applicability, definitions, responsibilities for covered entities, what is considered personal information, data subject rights, and enforcement. With the CPRA the threshold for consumers is higher, and not just selling but also sharing of consumer’s personal information for profit is covered. There are new definitions added (such as ‘contractor’ or ‘share’), a clear differentiation between personal information and sensitive personal information, as well as new data subject rights (right to correct and right to limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information).
California Consumers Privacy Act (CCPA) |
California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) |
Applicability |
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Applies to for-profit entities in any jurisdiction that
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Applies to for-profit entities in any jurisdiction that
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Definitions |
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“Business” is an entity subject to the CCPA. “Service Provider” is an entity that processes information on behalf of a business and to which a business discloses a consumer’s personal information for a business purpose pursuant to a written contract. “Sell” means any disclosure of personal information by a business to another business or third party for money or other valuable consideration, subject to certain exceptions. |
“Business” is an entity subject to the CPRA. “Service Provider” is an entity that processes personal information on behalf of a business and receives from or on behalf of the business a consumer’s personal information pursuant to a written contract. “Contractor” is a person to whom a business provides a consumer’s personal information for a business purpose pursuant to a written contract. “Sell” means any disclosures of personal information by a business to another business or third party for money or other valuable consideration, subject to certain exceptions. “Share” means making personal information available to a third party for cross-context behavioral advertising (e.g., advertising across different, nonaffiliated websites). |
Business responsibilities |
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Personal information |
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Personal Information includes any information that is reasonably capable of being associated with a particular consumer or household. |
Personal Information includes any information that is reasonably capable of being associated with a particular consumer or household. Sensitive personal information includes: government-issued IDs (i.e., social security, driver’s license, passport);
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Data Subject Rights |
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Enforcement |
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CCPA Compliance Checklist
Here is a checklist to facilitate compliance for your business with the California Consumer Privacy Act:
Conclusion
In summary, we've highlighted the main differences between two important privacy laws in California: the CCPA and CPRA. The CPRA, which builds on the CCPA, doesn't replace it but adds more rules and protections.
For businesses, these changes mean they need to be even more careful about how they handle personal information. The CPRA is stricter, especially because there's no grace period to fix mistakes before penalties apply. This makes it really important for businesses to stay up-to-date and follow these laws closely to avoid legal issues for their organization.
Overall, California is setting a high standard for data privacy in the U.S. with these laws. For online businesses, understanding and following these laws is crucial for legal reasons and for building trust with customers.
How can Clym help?
Clym believes in striking a balance between digital compliance and your business needs, which is why we offer businesses the following:
- All-in-one platform: One interface combining Privacy and Accessibility compliance with global regulations, at an affordable price;
- Seamless integration into your website;
- Adaptability to your users’ location and applicable regulation;
- Customizable branding;
- ReadyCompliance: Covering 30+ data privacy regulations;
- Six preconfigured accessibility profiles, as well as 25+ display adjustments that allow visitors to customise their individual experience.
You can convince yourself and see Clym in action by booking a demo or reaching out to us to discuss your specific needs today.