Personal information: data breaches: genetic information.
The legislation seeks to improve the security procedures that businesses must implement to protect personal information, particularly regarding genetic data. By including genetic information under this definition, the bill aims to safeguard individuals' privacy rights and bolster their protection against unauthorized access and breaches. This amendment reflects an evolving understanding of personal information in the digital age, where genetic and biological data are at greater risk of exploitation.
Assembly Bill 2301, introduced by Assembly Member Levine, seeks to amend sections of the Civil Code relating to information privacy, specifically concerning personal information and data breaches. This bill expands the definition of 'personal information' to include genetic information, which encompasses genetic tests of individuals and their family members, as well as any manifestation of a disease or disorder in family members. The intent is to enhance protection over an increasingly sensitive category of personal data.
Although the bill has been crafted to enhance protections for California residents, there may be some contention regarding the compliance burden it places on businesses. Critics might argue that the expanded definition and additional security requirements could create difficulties for smaller businesses in terms of implementation and cost. However, supporters advocate that the changes are necessary to align legal definitions with current technological advancements and the sensitive nature of genetic information, thereby providing essential protections to individuals.