Is your website’s privacy policy up-to-date? For businesses covered by the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the expanded 2026 regulations, annual reviews and updates are required—not optional. Here’s why you should make an annual privacy checkup part of your compliance routine:
- It’s the Law: The CCPA regulations mandate that you review, and update, if necessary, your privacy policy and online disclosures at least once every 12 months. Failing to do so may be a regulatory violation.
- Your Data Practices Change: Over the course of a year, you may launch new products, add technologies, or work with new vendors. If your privacy policy or Notice at Collection doesn’t accurately match how you collect, use, share, or retain data, you’re likely out of compliance and at risk for an enforcement action.
- Consumers Have Expanding Rights: CCPA’s 2026 amendments provide more detailed consumer rights (e.g., opt-out of automated decision-making), and your disclosures must clearly explain those rights and how consumers can act on them.
- Regulators Review Privacy Policies: If your company is investigated or audited, regulators will look at the date and content of your posted policies to determine whether you’re following legal requirements. Outdated policies are a red flag.
Schedule a yearly privacy policy review, ideally timed with your fiscal year or after major digital or marketing changes. This keeps you compliant and builds trust with your users. Are you confident your current privacy policy meets the latest California standards? The time to check is now.