The impact of AB1758 lies in its reinforcement of consumer rights outlined in the CCPA, which aims to enhance consumer protection concerning personal information. Businesses are already mandated to comply with the requirements to inform consumers about the categories of personal information collected and the purposes for which such data is used. By reiterating these obligations, the bill emphasizes the importance placed on transparency and consumer empowerment in the context of data privacy. However, it does not modify or expand the requirements relating to the retention period of personal information under existing law. This means that businesses will still not be compelled to retain personal information for one-time transactions unless such data is sold or retained.
Assembly Bill No. 1758, introduced by Assembly Member Chau, seeks to amend Section 1798.100 of the Civil Code, relating to consumer privacy in California. This bill pertains to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) of 2018, which grants consumers various rights regarding their personal information held by businesses. Specifically, the bill maintains the provisions that allow consumers to request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information collected by a business when a verifiable consumer request is received. AB1758 is described as making a nonsubstantive change to existing law without adding new requirements for businesses regarding data retention and consumer disclosure.
While there was no major contention regarding the nonsubstantive changes proposed by AB1758, the broader implications of the California Consumer Privacy Act continue to spark discussion about the balance between consumer privacy rights and business interests. Supporters advocate for robust privacy protections to safeguard consumer data in an increasingly digital world. On the other hand, there are ongoing concerns from businesses regarding the regulatory burdens and compliance costs associated with privacy legislation. AB1758, although minor in its adjustments, serves as a reminder of the ongoing legislative focus on consumer privacy and the potential need for future amendments or expansions to further protect consumer rights.