CCPA vs GDPR: 6 Differences And Similarities

In the digital age, protecting user data and privacy is of utmost importance. Governments around the world have implemented various data protection laws to ensure that companies and organizations collect and use personal data ethically and transparently. Two of the most prominent data protection laws are the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). In this article, we will compare CCPA vs GDPR and discuss the key differences between these data protection laws.

What Is CCPA?

CCPA is a privacy law that was enacted by the state of California in June 2018. The law aims to give California residents more control over their personal information and to ensure that businesses are transparent about their data collection practices. CCPA is similar to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Canadian Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

What Is GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a data protection law that was implemented in the European Union (EU) on May 25, 2018. The GDPR aims to protect the fundamental rights & freedoms of EU citizens & their personal data by regulating the collection, processing, & storage of their personal data.

Under the GDPR, individuals have the right to know what personal information is being collected about them, the right to access their personal data, the right to have their personal data erased, the right to object to the processing of their personal data, & the right to not be subject to automated decision-making.

Criteria To Be CCPA or GDPR Compliant

The CCPA applies to businesses that collect personal information of California residents & meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Annual gross revenue of $25 million or more
• Collect, buy, or sell the personal information of 50,000 or more California residents, households, or devices
• Derive 50% or more of their annual revenue from selling the personal information of California residents

The GDPR applies to all businesses that process the personal data of EU citizens, regardless of where the business is located.

Difference Between CCPA And GDPR

Given below are some major differences between CCPA vs GDPR:

1. Geographical scope

The CCPA applies only to businesses that collect the personal information of California residents, while GDPR applies to all businesses that process the personal data of EU citizens, regardless of where the business is located.

2. Personal data

The CCPA defines personal information as any information that identifies, relates to, describes, or can be about a particular consumer or household. This includes but is not limited to, names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, social security numbers, IP addresses, & biometric data.

The GDPR defines personal data as any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. This includes but is not limited to, names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses, & biometric data.

3. Data subject rights

Under both the CCPA and GDPR, individuals have the right to access their personal data, the right to have their personal data erased, the right to object to the processing of their personal data, & the right to not be subject to automated decision-making.

However, the CCPA provides additional rights to California residents. Such as the right to know what personal information is being collected about them, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information, & the right to not be discriminated against for exercising their rights.

4. Consent requirements

Under the CCPA, businesses must provide consumers with notice of the categories of personal information they collect and the purposes for which it will be used. Consumers must be given the opportunity to opt-out of the sale of their personal information and businesses must obtain explicit consent before collecting and processing sensitive personal information.

The GDPR requires businesses to obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting and processing their personal data. They have the right to withdraw their consent at any time.

5. Fines and penalties

Under the CCPA, businesses can be fined around $7,500 per violation if they fail to comply with the law. In addition, consumers can file lawsuits against businesses for certain types of data breaches.

Under the GDPR, businesses can be fined up to €20 million. Or else, 4% of their global annual revenue, if they fail to comply with the law. Individuals also have the right to file lawsuits against businesses for certain types of data breaches.

6. Enforcement

The CCPA is enforced by the California Attorney General’s office, while the GDPR is enforced by data protection authorities in each EU member state.

Key Similarities Between The Two

Both the CCPA and GDPR aim to protect the privacy and personal data of individuals. These laws require businesses to be transparent about the personal data they collect, the purposes for which they will use it, and to whom they will share it with. Both laws also give individuals the right to access their personal data, the right to have it erased, and the right to object to its processing.

Which One Is Better? CCPA vs GDPR

It is difficult to say which law is better as both the CCPA vs GDPR have their own strengths and weaknesses. The CCPA provides additional rights to California residents, such as the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information. While the GDPR has a broader scope and provides individuals with more rights. It also depends on the location and practices of the organization. Businesses should comply with both laws if they process the personal data of California residents and EU citizens.

Why Are CCPA And GDPR Compliance Important?

CCPA and GDPR compliance is important for several reasons, including:

• Legal requirements: CCPA and GDPR are privacy laws that have legal requirements for businesses that collect and process personal information. Compliance with these laws is necessary to avoid legal penalties, fines, and lawsuits.
• Consumer trust: Compliance with privacy laws can help build consumer trust. Consumers are becoming more aware of their privacy rights. They are more likely to trust businesses that are transparent about their data collection practices and protect their personal information.
• Data security: Compliance with privacy laws can also help improve data security. Businesses that collect and process personal information must take appropriate measures to protect that data from unauthorized access or disclosure.
• Competitive advantage: Compliance with privacy laws can also provide a competitive advantage. Businesses that are transparent about their data collection practices and protect consumer privacy may be more attractive to consumers than businesses that do not.
• Global reach: GDPR has extraterritorial reach, meaning that it applies to businesses outside of the European Union if they collect or process the personal information of EU residents. Compliance with GDPR can help businesses reach a global audience while avoiding legal penalties.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the CCPA and GDPR are two of the most prominent data protection laws in the world. While there are some similarities between these laws, there are also significant differences in their geographical scope, the definition of personal data, and data subject rights. Businesses that process the personal data of California residents and EU citizens should comply with both laws to protect the privacy and personal data of individuals.

If you are looking to implement any of the Infosec compliance frameworks such as SOC 2 compliance, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliance, Impanix can help. Book a Free consultation call with our experts or email us at  [email protected] for inquiries.