Understanding the CCPA and Avoiding its Pitfalls

The California Consumer Privacy Act’s (CCPA) effective date of January 1, 2020, looms large for companies that conduct business in California. The far-reaching legislation has extensive requirements for the collection, storage, and protection of consumer data—and potential legal consequences for companies that fail to comply.

To help companies prepare for what lies ahead, Drinker Biddle was pleased to hold a half-day CLE seminar, Understanding the CCPA and Avoiding its Pitfalls. The seminar was hosted in Drinker Biddle offices across the nation and highlighted the key elements of the CCPA. Panelists included privacy officers, compliance leaders, and both in-house and outside counsel with extensive experience addressing privacy issues in a wide range of industries.

Topics

Overview of the CCPA and Legislative Regulatory Developments

This panel examined why the law was passed and what it covers, as well as ambiguities, amendments, lobbying efforts, and a potential new ballot initiative. Panelists also discussed the mandated California Attorney General guidance.

Key Takeaways for Compliance

This panel explored what businesses should be doing to comply with new regulations, best practices, and challenges related to the CCPA. Panelists also highlighted similarities and differences with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other consumer privacy regulations, and discussed some key lessons that may be applied to complying with the CCPA.

Thoughts and Strategies for Minimizing Litigation Exposure

This panel examined how plaintiffs’ counsel are likely to employ the CCPA’s limited private right of action to pursue statutory damages. Panelists explored how plaintiff’s counsel might seek to exploit some of the law’s ambiguities, strategies for minimizing the risk of such lawsuits, and how these cases might play out.