California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

Goodbye 2019. Hello, California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

As of January 1, 2020, the California Consumer Privacy Act went into effect. Official enforcement of the act is scheduled for July 1, 2020. There is also an ongoing push to spread like-minded legislation throughout the rest of the 50 states. 

What does this mean?

The CCPA targets companies that buy and sell data. It largely refers to California businesses that perform data mining in numbers over 50,000, the new law requires you to disclose your actions with the owners of that data. You must also give them the opportunity to opt-out should they choose to do so. 

The CCPA is often presented side-by-side with elements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR is Europe’s regulatory law for data protection. That being said, many companies that deal with global commerce may already be prepared to handle the CCPA. 

Businesses that have yet to become equipped for the new law may face large compliance costs. However, the California Attorney General, Xavier Becerra, has offered lenience on smaller businesses that are attempting to become CCPA compliant.  

What’s next?

This advancement in privacy law is just the beginning of data-based marketing restrictions. The Privacy for America coalition is also trying to create a Data Protection Bureau that would be housed under the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). 

In addition, future changes to the CCPA should be expected. Certain pieces of the CCPA are either too broad or could potentially have unintended consequences. The adjustments to the law will center around enforcing compliance rather than attacking small businesses. 

Summary

In summary, the goal of the CCPA is to keep companies from selling California consumer data without their permission. That being said, the repercussions towards small businesses may be unsightly. Also, companies should expect to see high costs and as well as numerous changes as amendments are applied to the new 2020 law. 

If you run a similar business and are not located in California, you should still be on the lookout for policy updates and new mandates. the CCPA is expected to set off a chain reaction throughout the U.S. in bringing in stricter privacy laws.

Francine D. Ward

fRANCINE d. wARD

• Updating a trust–what does it mean?   July 27, 2026
  Updating a Trust or Will: Can It Be Done? Clients often ask a simple but important question: “Can I change my trust?” The short answer is yes—often you can. But… Read more: Updating a trust–what does it mean?   
• What is a DeedJuly 20, 2026
  What is a Deed and Why is it Important A deed is a legally binding document and if you own real property, it is an essential part of an estate… Read more: What is a Deed
• What is Intestate Succession?July 13, 2026
  What is Intestate Succession? When you die without a valid will, the law—not you—decides who gets your property. That process is called intestate succession. Many people assume their “closest” loved… Read more: What is Intestate Succession?
• What is Probate?July 6, 2026
  What is Probate? Probate is one of those legal processes most people have heard of but hope they never have to deal with. Yet, for many families—especially in California—it becomes… Read more: What is Probate?
• What is an Agent for Healthcare and Finance?June 29, 2026
  What is an Agent? Choosing the right agent—also known as an attorney‑in‑fact—is one of the most important decisions you will make in your estate planning process. An agent is the… Read more: What is an Agent for Healthcare and Finance?