CCPA Personal Information Definition: What Data is Covered

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a comprehensive data privacy law that aims to protect the personal information of California residents. But what exactly is considered personal information under the CCPA? In this article, we'll dive into the definition of personal information under the CCPA and explore what types of data are covered.

Under the CCPA, personal information is defined as any information that identifies, relates to, or could be reasonably linked to a California resident. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• IP address
• Biometric information
• Geolocation data
• Health information
• Financial information
• Social security number
• Driver's license number
• State identification card number
• Passport number
• Other unique identifiers

It's important to note that the CCPA does not define personal information as only being limited to traditional identifiers such as name and address. Instead, it takes a broader approach and includes any information that could be reasonably linked to a California resident.

In addition to the types of data listed above, the CCPA also includes certain categories of sensitive information as personal information. These include:

• Biometric information
• Health information
• Financial information
• Social security number
• Driver's license number
• State identification card number
• Passport number

The CCPA also provides certain exceptions to the definition of personal information. These include:

• Information that is publicly available
• Information that is de-identified or aggregated
• Information that is collected from a public source

In conclusion, the CCPA defines personal information as any information that identifies, relates to, or could be reasonably linked to a California resident. This includes a wide range of data types, including traditional identifiers, sensitive information, and certain categories of sensitive information. It's important for businesses to understand the definition of personal information under the CCPA and take steps to comply with the law.