Sale of Personal Information
Definition
Providing personal information to a third party in exchange for money or other valuable consideration. Under the CCPA, the definition is very broad and can include sharing data with advertising partners even when no money changes hands if the business receives other benefits. Consumers have the right to opt out of the sale of their personal information.
Legal Definition
Under the CCPA (Cal. Civ. Code 1798.140(ad)): "selling, renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, transferring, or otherwise communicating orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumer's personal information by the business to a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration."
State Laws Using This Term
Practical Example
A retailer shares customer email lists with a data aggregator in exchange for access to the aggregator's audience insights platform. Even though no direct payment is made, this exchange of data for a valuable service qualifies as a "sale" under the CCPA.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Does "sale" only mean exchanging data for money?
No. Under the CCPA, "sale" includes exchanging personal information for any "valuable consideration," not just money. This can include receiving free services, insights, or other benefits in return for data sharing.