California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently reached a $530,000 settlement with Sling TV after alleging the company violated the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”). The lawsuit claimed Sling TV failed to provide consumers with a clear and simple method to opt out of the sale and sharing of their personal information, and that its website design used deceptive “dark patterns” to mislead users into thinking their data was protected when it was not. The complaint also alleged inadequate safeguards for children’s privacy. In addition to the monetary penalty, Sling TV agreed to revise its opt-out processes, improve parental controls, and provide clearer privacy disclosures.
The settlement underscores the Attorney General’s increased focus on enforcing CCPA requirements, particularly against companies that make it difficult for consumers to exercise their privacy rights. Among other changes, Sling TV must now offer a direct opt-out feature across all devices, streamline the opt-out process to eliminate unnecessary steps, and default children’s profiles to “no sale or sharing” settings. These corrective measures serve as a warning for other businesses to ensure their privacy practices meet CCPA standards and do not rely on confusing consent mechanisms or general cookie settings to satisfy legal obligations.
Businesses can learn several key lessons from this enforcement action. The Attorney General has made clear that opt-out mechanisms must be conspicuous, easy to use, and distinct from cookie preferences. Companies should evaluate their websites and apps for potential “dark patterns,” ensure proper data protections for minors, and provide ongoing CCPA compliance training for staff. With regulators across California and other states actively investigating privacy compliance, businesses are encouraged to review their data-sharing practices and seek legal counsel to minimize risk.
If you need help reviewing your company’s privacy compliance or have questions about the CCPA’s requirements, please contact us at info@mnklawyers.com.