Processing Consumer Data Subject Requests Under CCPA: What Are Best Practices?
Along with the celebration of the New Year on January 1st, 2020 comes the implementation of the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). This date is approximately 10 weeks away, but preparation for these new privacy laws must begin now. In order to make sure your business is fully primed for this new landscape brought by the CCPA, here are the best practices when processing consumer data subject requests.
Don?t Make It Hard on The Consumer.
The CCPA lays out clear requirements of businesses for accessibility for the consumer, such as toll-free phone number and a ?Do Not Sell My Personal Information? link provided on the businesses? website. These two methods are designated for submitting disclosure requests. Follow the guidelines and do not add extra steps. Complicating this further could result in fines.
Have Clear Internal Policies and Procedures.
When processing the consumers? request, it is important to include all of the proper information. This involves, but is not limited to, who is responsible for collecting the data, reviewing it, removing the information that does not need to be disclosed, and fulfilling the request. This should be standard procedure recognized by the entire organization. This information then needs to be delivered precisely, followed by documentation of the company?s process. One can never be too organized and careful.
Be Transparent in Policy Language
Starting on January 1st, 2020, businesses must provide their consumers with information relating to these new regulations. Prior to January 1st, companies should be ready with updated privacy notices that clearly state how the CCPA affects their information collection and their consumers? privacy. Once these notices are sent to consumers, formal documentation of these processes should be added on the company website. It does not hurt to be over prepared for these new procedures required by the CCPA.
Include All Required Information/Data.
When dealing with private data that is then shared with a consumer, all requirements under the CCPA must be met. This can include the category of the information, the specific pieces of personal data collected, the sources from which the data is collected, and the purpose of such data. The business must be transparent and honest, regardless of the possible reaction by the consumer. Furthermore, third parties with which the data is shared must be covered and the practices with which the company conducts the collection of the personal data stated.
Include the Data Processors in The Mix.
Once a consumer data deletion is requested, the business must now log this into the company?s database and then to it?s service provider. The service provider must now be compliant with CCPA regulations during the business?s user data collection. The provider is also liable to civil penalties for noncompliance under the CCPA. In order to properly work alongside your service provider, notify them of your processes and procedures that will be implemented. Working hand-in-hand with the provider will assure that neither you nor them are held as noncompliant.
Implement and Maintain Security Practices.
Review the company?s current security system and conduct exercises to simulate possible breaches. If the security withstands and is successful, maintain the current system. If there is any fault or mishap, implement new practices, software, hardware, etc. The CCPA may entice hackers, as there are new clear pathways to obtaining personal data. Consult with others in the industry to find the best way for storing, securing, and then accessing information collected. Regularly review the practices and make sure all employees are aware of the guidelines in order to close all possible loose ends.
The CCPA will require an approved budget, processes, and tools in order for organizations to properly function under these new regulations. These 6 practices are vital steps for the well-being of your company moving forward!
