Is cookie consent required in California?

California does not generally require GDPR-style prior consent for every non-essential cookie.

For businesses covered by the CCPA, the main model is transparency and opt-out. Consumers can direct businesses not to sell or share their personal information, including through Global Privacy Control signals that covered businesses must honor.

Opt-in applies in specific situations, including sale or sharing involving consumers under 16. For children under 13, authorization must come from a parent or guardian; users aged 13 to 15 can opt in themselves.

The California Attorney General provides current CCPA guidance and opt-out requirements.