Understanding CPRA: Definition of Sensitive Personal Information
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CPRA) is a statewide legislation enacted in 2018 that aims to protect the personal information of California residents and consumers. The CPRA extends the previous data privacy law, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which was passed in 2018. The CPRA introduces new provisions for the management of sensitive personal information. In this article, we will be discussing what the CPRA defines as sensitive personal information and why it is crucial.
What is Sensitive Personal Information?
Sensitive personal information refers to the data that are subject to heightened protection due to their sensitive nature. The CPRA covers new categories of personal information, such as biometric data, precise geolocation data, and information collected from behavioral advertising. These categories of data are sensitive because they could be used to identify, locate, track, or personalize an individual’s life or behavior.
Furthermore, the CPRA also identifies categories of sensitive personal information that are commonly used in areas of employment and medical records, such as union membership, religious affiliation, and medical history.
Why is Sensitive Personal Information crucial?
Sensitive personal information is essential because it provides an in-depth insight into an individual’s life and could be used to discriminate against them. The misuse of this data could lead to financial loss, reputational damage, or even identity theft. Additionally, the CPRA defines new rights for consumers to control their sensitive personal information, such as the right to access, delete, and opt-out of the sale of this information.
Examples of Sensitive Personal Information
To illustrate the importance of sensitive personal information, here are some examples:
1. Biometric data: This includes facial recognition, fingerprints, or voiceprints. Biometric data are unique to individuals and could be used to gain access to sensitive areas or data.
2. Precise geolocation data: This includes specific GPS coordinates that could be used to track an individual’s movements or patterns of life.
3. Behavioral advertising: This includes data collected through online tracking technologies, such as cookies, and could be used to create personalized advertisements.
4. Union membership: This includes data related to labor union membership, activities, or affiliations. This data could be used to discriminate against an individual based on their political views or activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CPRA aims to protect sensitive personal information and new categories of data by providing California residents and consumers with new rights to control their information. Sensitive personal information is crucial because it could be used to discriminate against individuals and cause harm. It’s essential businesses managing personal information take proper precautions to ensure this sensitive data is safe and secure. As the world continues to rely more on technology, it’s crucial to stay informed about data privacy laws and take action to protect our sensitive data.
References:
- https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa
- https://iapp.org/resources/article/ca-prac-adopted/
- https://www.privacy.ca.gov/2020/08/14/privacy-public-forum-3/
