Consumer (CCPA Definition)

Under CCPA, a natural person who is a California resident, as defined by California's tax code. This definition is broader than just people living in California—it includes anyone who is in California for other than a temporary or transitory purpose, and anyone domiciled in California who is outside the state for a temporary or transitory purpose. The definition determines who has CCPA rights. Importantly, CCPA excludes from the consumer definition persons acting in employment contexts (though CPRA narrowed this exclusion), business-to-business contexts, and emergency contacts. The consumer definition captures most California residents regardless of where they currently are—a California resident traveling abroad still has CCPA rights. This broad definition means that if you do business with the general public, you likely process California consumers' personal information and may need to comply with CCPA.