California will lead the nation in privacy protection thanks to Governor Gray Davis. The Governor has authorized the first-ever statewide Office of Privacy Protection within the Department of Consumer Affairs. For the first time, Californians will have a central clearinghouse for filing complaints on privacy violations.
Consumers can also receive information, advice and referrals to help resolve privacy disputes.
Businesses must now destroy customer records containing personal information by shredding them, erasing them, or making them unreadable. Injured consumers can file lawsuits for civil damages against companies that fail to comply. Allows identity theft victims to seek immediate help from the courts to clear their names and restore their identities. Identity theft victims can now join with law enforcement to access a statewide database that documents identity theft crimes. This Department of Consumer Affairs-sponsored bill regulates hearing aid sales practices.