Attorney General Kamala Harris puts mobile apps on notice about privacy

California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris (D) began putting top mobile app makers on notice that they will be held accountable for how they handle Californians' personal information.

The state’s top cop has sent out notices to 100 mobile apps that don’t have a written privacy policy that explains what information the app collects and shares. AG Harris initially targeted the most popular mobile apps, among them Open Table and apps for Delta and United Airlines. The companies could not be immediately reached for comment. The companies were given 30 days to post a “conspicuous” privacy policy or face penalties of as much as $2,500 every time a Californian downloads an app that does not comply with California law. “Protecting the privacy of online consumers is a serious law enforcement matter,” AG Harris said. “We have worked hard to ensure that app developers are aware of their legal obligations to respect the privacy of Californians, but it is critical that we take all necessary steps to enforce California’s privacy laws.” AG Harris is looking to close a privacy loophole with the explosion in the use of mobile devices to access the Web. She is extending privacy protections required by state law for personal computers to smartphones and tablets.