The 12 Categories of Personal Information Under CCPA: A Comprehensive Guide

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a comprehensive privacy law that aims to protect the personal information of California residents. One of the key aspects of the CCPA is the definition of personal information, which is broadly defined as any information that identifies, relates to, or could be reasonably linked to a particular individual or household.

In this article, we will explore the 12 categories of personal information under the CCPA. These categories are:

1. Identifiers

Identifiers include names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.

2. Personal characteristics

Personal characteristics include race, gender, age, and other demographic information.

3. Commercial information

Commercial information includes purchase history, browsing history, and other information related to commercial transactions.

4. Biometric information

Biometric information includes fingerprints, facial recognition data, and other unique physical characteristics.

5. Internet or other electronic network activity

Internet or other electronic network activity includes browsing history, search history, and other online activity.

6. Geolocation data

Geolocation data includes GPS coordinates, IP addresses, and other location-based information.

7. Audio, electronic, or other sensory information

Audio, electronic, or other sensory information includes voice recordings, video recordings, and other sensory data.

8. Professional or employment-related information

Professional or employment-related information includes job titles, work history, and other information related to employment.

9. Education information

Education information includes school records, grades, and other information related to education.

10. Inferences drawn from other information

Inferences drawn from other information include predictions, inferences, and other conclusions drawn from other information.

11. Non-public education information

Non-public education information includes information about a student's education, including grades, test scores, and other information.

12. Medical information

Medical information includes health records, medical history, and other information related to a person's health.

In conclusion, the CCPA defines personal information broadly and includes a wide range of categories. Businesses and organizations that collect and process personal information must be aware of these categories and take steps to protect the personal information of California residents.