We are keeping tabs on the CCPA. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) went into effect on January 1 but has had a limited impact on our industry. We find it interesting how Facebook, arguably one of the heaviest hitters in our industry, has interpreted the new law.
Facebook decided it won’t change their current web tracking, stating sites are “selling” user data Facebook collects or shares. You can read more about FB’s stance in a Wall Street Journal’s recent article.
Per this new, California-only, law residences can request companies bound by the CCPA delete all their personal data. Websites with third-party tracking are supposed to add a “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” button that if clicked, prohibits the site from sending data about the customer to any third parties, including advertisers.
We think this is a positive thing that consumers have more control over how their data is used.
James Steyer, CEO of children’s privacy advocacy organization Common Sense, says he thinks most companies are making good-faith efforts to get in compliance with the CCPA.
In a December blog post, Facebook shared their POV:
“We believe companies should be held to a high standard in explaining what data they collect and how they use it, and that people should have robust individual privacy rights no matter where they live. While we think a strong federal privacy law is the best way to ensure consistent privacy rights for people throughout the United States, Facebook supported the passage of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in 2018 because our global commitment to privacy is strongly aligned with its underlying principles of transparency and control.”
Facebook already has tools to allow users to access and delete their information. But, we know what a labyrinth Facebook can be. Finding their privacy tools takes patience and effort.
Our view – well thought out privacy laws are in the long-term best interests of all media because it will create more trust consumers, readers, publishers and advertisers.