Chapter 6: State Comprehensive Privacy Laws

Defining Consumer - Who Is Protected

All five laws protect their state residents, and the term is NOT limited to purchasers. The key distinction: California includes employees in its definition of consumer; the other four exclude individuals acting in a commercial or employment context.

How this supports CIPP/US study

Use this lesson to compare state-law scope, rights, exceptions and enforcement before choosing an answer. Continue with the CIPP/US exam questions.

The definition of consumer sets who the law protects. It is not limited to individuals who buy products for personal use - all five states protect their own residents.

California = employees count; the rest exclude them

California includes employees in its definition of consumer. Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and Virginia exclude individuals "acting in a commercial or employment context." This is one of California's signature broad moves.

Key terms - quick answers

What is “Consumer”?
The individuals protected by a state comprehensive privacy law - defined as state residents, not limited to people buying products or services.

Sources and study method

This independent lesson uses active recall, spaced retrieval and scenario practice. Read the full study method.