Sharing of Personal Information
Definition
A concept introduced by the CPRA that covers providing personal information to third parties for cross-context behavioral advertising, even without monetary exchange. This closed a loophole where companies argued that sharing data with ad networks was not a "sale" because no money was exchanged.
Legal Definition
Under the CPRA (Cal. Civ. Code 1798.140(ah)): "sharing, 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 cross-context behavioral advertising, whether or not for monetary or other valuable consideration."
State Laws Using This Term
Practical Example
A website places a Meta pixel that sends visitor data to Facebook for ad targeting. Even though the website does not receive payment, this constitutes "sharing" under the CPRA because the data is used for cross-context behavioral advertising.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "sharing" different from "selling" under California law?
Yes. "Selling" requires monetary or other valuable consideration. "Sharing" covers providing data for cross-context behavioral advertising regardless of whether consideration is received. Both trigger the consumer's right to opt out.