In the first of its kind under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Sephora settled an enforcement action with the California Attorney General for violation of the CCPA. Sephora must pay $1.2 million in penalties and implement a CCPA compliance program. The enforcement action alleged that Sephora permitted third parties to create customer profiles that included details related to the brand of their laptops or concealer and eyeliner to use for targeted advertising without consumer knowledge or consent.  

Sephora must inform customers in California that it sells their personal data, including their location and items in their online shopping cart, and let them opt out of a sale of that information if they choose to do so.

Attorney General Rob Bonta said in the office’s public statement, “I hope today’s settlement sends a strong message to businesses that are still failing to comply with California’s consumer privacy law. . . My office is watching, and we will hold you accountable.” This should be a reminder for companies to determine if the CCPA applies to them and get their processes in place before the AG’s office comes knocking on their door, too.