Internet Law in California

California's privacy laws give you the right to know what personal information a business collects about you, how it is used, and who it is shared with. You can request that a business delete your data and opt out of the sale or sharing of your information. Some businesses are required to disclose these rights before collecting data. If a company violates these rights, you may have options for filing a complaint or seeking a legal remedy.

California law requires businesses to notify you if a security breach exposes certain types of your personal information. After receiving a breach notice, monitor your financial accounts and credit reports closely and consider placing a fraud alert with the major credit reporting agencies. Depending on the nature of the breach, you may have the right to take legal action. Consult a lawyer and review the deadlines section of this page, since time limits may apply.

Online defamation — publishing false statements of fact that damage your reputation — can be a basis for a lawsuit in California, just as it would be in person. Not every negative post qualifies, and whether you have a strong claim depends on what was said, who said it, and the context. Identifying and serving a lawsuit on an anonymous poster can add complexity. A lawyer can help you evaluate the strength of your case.

A federal law limits the legal liability of online platforms for content created and posted by their users in most situations, which is why platforms are often not held responsible for third-party posts. This protection has limits and exceptions, and some California laws address platform conduct in specific contexts. If you have been harmed by content on a platform, speaking with a lawyer is the best way to understand whether a viable legal claim exists.

Federal law regulates commercial email and requires that marketing messages include a clear way to opt out, honest subject lines, and accurate sender information. California law adds additional requirements for some email marketing directed at California residents. If a business ignores your opt-out request or uses deceptive practices, you may have legal options and can report violations to state or federal agencies.

Yes. Federal law places strict limits on how websites and online services may collect personal information from children under a specified age, and California law adds further protections on top of those federal rules. If you believe a website has improperly collected your child's data, you should stop using the service, document what happened, and consider filing a complaint with a relevant agency or speaking with a lawyer.

California law includes protections against certain forms of online harassment and cyberbullying, and depending on the severity, the conduct may give rise to civil claims, criminal charges, or both. Document all incidents carefully, and if you feel you are in immediate danger, contact law enforcement. For ongoing harassment, a lawyer can advise you on options such as civil claims or seeking a restraining order.