“Shine the Light” Act Allows Californians
to Track Sharing of Their Personal Information
Starting Jan. 1, 2005

San Diego, CA -- In 2003, Senate Bill 27, introduced by California State Senator Liz Figueroa, passed into law. The 'Shine the Light' law (CA Civil Code 1798.83) goes into effect for California residents on January 1, 2005.

The new law requires certain businesses to disclose their information-sharing practices with their customers. Upon request, companies must tell California customers with whom they have shared their personal information for marketing purposes within the last twelve months.

According to Beth Givens, Director of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC), “It used to be that people had no idea how companies were sharing or selling their information, though they knew it was happening because of the junk mail and phone solicitations they received. This law does exactly as its name implies. It shines the light on how companies sell their customers’ personal information -- a dark secret that’s been concealed by businesses until now.”

Givens added, “Knowing which companies sell or share personal information with third parties helps individuals make better choices about the companies with which they decide to do business. If privacy is important, consumers can now use their buying power to support companies that they know protect their personal information.”

Businesses that must comply with the law must provide a mailing address, email address, toll-free number, or toll-free fax number for customers to make their disclosure request. A business' response must be received within 30 days and must include not only the categories of personal information disclosed to third parties, but the companies to which the customer’s personal information was disclosed for marketing purposes within the last calendar year.

For more information about California’s Shine the Light Law, see:
http://www.privacyrights.org/ar/SB27Release.htm

The text of CA Civil Code 1798.83 is available at:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=civ&group=01001-02000&file=1798.80-1798.84

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