Consumer
Definition
The individual whose personal data is being processed. Under most state privacy laws, a consumer is a resident of the state acting in an individual (not commercial) capacity. The term is the US equivalent of "data subject" under the GDPR.
Legal Definition
Under the CCPA (Cal. Civ. Code 1798.140(i)): "a natural person who is a California resident." Under the VCDPA (Va. Code 59.1-575): "a natural person who is a resident of the Commonwealth acting only in an individual or household context." Most state laws exclude individuals acting in a commercial or employment context.
State Laws Using This Term
Practical Example
A Virginia resident browses an online store and makes a purchase. As a natural person acting in an individual capacity, they qualify as a "consumer" under the VCDPA and can exercise privacy rights like opting out of data sales.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Does "consumer" include employees?
Under the CCPA, employee data was originally exempt but became covered as of January 1, 2023, under the CPRA. Most other state laws exclude individuals acting in an employment or commercial context from the definition of "consumer."