On behalf of Thaler Law posted in business litigation on Monday, March 4, 2019.
Recently, the state of California passed new laws regarding how companies and businesses of all sizes and types treat the information and data they collect from consumers. It is in the interests of business owners to understand what these new laws mean for their company. A disregard of legal changes or lack of understanding over how the law is applied could expose a company to business litigation in the future.
These new privacy laws are among the strongest and strictest in the country. Essentially, California consumers have more rights than ever before regarding how companies treat their information. This includes the gathering and selling of data. At the beginning of next year, when the law goes into full effect, consumers will be able to request that companies provide them with all of the personal data they have collected going back 12 months.
This means it is now time for companies to start working on properly collecting data and classifying it in the right way. Businesses may also have to tell customers, if requested to do so, what they have done with their data, including selling it a third party. Consumers will also have the right to request that companies delete their personal information completely.
Data collection is an important tool for many businesses. How this process works could change drastically over the next year and after the new privacy laws go into full effect. It is prudent for companies to explore ways they can reach their business goals while still adhering to legal requirements and reducing the potential for business litigation.