New Calif. privacy law affects streamers & podcasters

Calif. makes sweeping changes to privacy laws & creates specific legislation aimed at streaming & podcasting services that collect user data in effect since the start of 2020.  The changes will have an influence on all audio services both inside & outside the state.  According to InsideRadio, the California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA, requires companies to inform users of how they monetize their data. It also mandates that consumers be given a way to opt-out of having their data used.  Companies deriving more than $25 million in annual revenue gained from monetizing residents data, or those who collect data on 50,000 or more Californians will be covered by this new law that paves the way for other states to implement similar laws.  “CCPA gives California residents the right to know what information is being collected about them, including the IP address that many audio streamers and podcasters store in order to do marketing and advertising attribution. Legislation extends the right of that state’s residents to force a company to delete their personal information. The new law also specifically says a company cannot block a resident from using their product just because they exercise those rights. For podcasters, that would mean a listener who says a company cannot collect and sell their information can also not block the download of a show. Businesses will be allowed, however, to offer financial incentives to users who do allow them to collect and monetize their data.” There is a six-month grace period for affected streamers & podcasters to comply.  The state has said it will not begin to prosecute offenders until after July 1.  Many podcasts will not be affected as they don’t collect user data, but a few that have refused to comply have already been dropped by audio site Libsyn.  It is expected that gradually more laws covering privacy issues will be implemented in the States & other countries as consumers increasingly become wary of collected data & it’s usage for financial & intrusive gain.

Mike Cherry

retired broadcaster: on-air, MD, PD, asst PD, Prod Mgr, IT, station technician/engineer, pioneer Internet webcaster, station installation/maintenance; 12 years in commercial radio, 17 years volunteer in campus/community radio in B.C., Alberta & Wash. Amateur radio operator & “DXer” specializing in AM night-time DX, short-wave DX/listening & remote SDR DXing/listening