What is the California Invasion of Privacy Act?
The California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) is a California law originally enacted in 1967 to protect individuals from unauthorized recording or interception of communications.
While the law was originally written with telephone communications in mind, recent lawsuits have argued that certain website technologies may also fall within its scope. As a result, businesses throughout California—and even businesses outside California serving California residents—have seen a growing number of claims involving website tracking technologies.
Why is CIPA important for website owners?
In recent years, plaintiffs have filed lawsuits alleging that certain third-party technologies collect visitor information before a user has had the opportunity to provide consent.
Technologies commonly referenced in these lawsuits include:
• Session replay software
• Chat widgets
• Website analytics platforms
• Advertising and marketing pixels
• Visitor recording technologies
Whether a particular technology creates legal exposure depends on the facts of each case and continues to be the subject of ongoing litigation.
Does using Google Analytics violate CIPA?
There is no simple yes-or-no answer.
The technology itself is not prohibited. Instead, many recent lawsuits focus on when information is collected and whether visitors had the opportunity to consent before data was shared with third parties.
Because the legal landscape continues to evolve, businesses should consult qualified legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.
How can businesses reduce privacy risk?
Many organizations are reviewing the technologies installed on their websites and implementing additional privacy safeguards.
Common steps include:
• Reviewing third-party scripts and integrations.
• Removing technologies that are no longer needed.
• Implementing a Consent Management Platform (CMP).
• Configuring Google Consent Mode where appropriate.
• Blocking non-essential technologies until visitor consent has been obtained.
• Regularly reviewing websites for newly added tracking technologies.
These measures may support broader privacy best practices but do not guarantee legal compliance or eliminate legal risk.
Related resources.
• California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
• Cookie Consent
• Google Consent Mode
• Privacy Resource Center
What does this mean for your website?
Every website is different.
Some organizations may only need to review their privacy policies. Others may benefit from implementing a Consent Management Platform (CMP), configuring Google Consent Mode, reviewing third-party technologies, or updating how visitor information is collected.
Understanding which privacy requirements apply depends on your business, your website, and the technologies you use.
How One Eleven Web Design can help.
We help businesses understand what technologies are installed on their websites and implement privacy-focused technical solutions.
Our services include:
• Website privacy reviews
• Consent Management Platform (CMP) implementation
• Google Consent Mode configuration
• Cookie and tracking technology reviews
• Ongoing website privacy management
We focus on the technical implementation while working alongside your legal or compliance advisors when appropriate.
Need help implementing privacy best practices?
Whether you're updating your website's privacy policy, implementing cookie consent, or configuring Google Consent Mode, we're here to help you navigate the technical side of website privacy.
Schedule a Privacy Review →
Legal notice
One Eleven Web Design helps businesses implement website privacy and accessibility solutions, but we are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. The information in this Resource Center is provided for general educational purposes only. Because privacy laws, regulations, and court decisions continue to evolve, businesses should consult qualified legal counsel regarding their specific compliance obligations.
