Individuals living in certain states within the United States are granted specific rights regarding the way their personal information is collected, used, and shared. These protections are established under state-level privacy laws and are intended to provide greater transparency while giving individuals more control over how their data is handled, particularly in areas such as advertising, analytics, and digital services.
For residents of California, the California Consumer Privacy Act establishes a framework that allows individuals to opt out of the sale or sharing of their personal information. The concept of a “sale” under this law is defined broadly and may include circumstances where personal data is disclosed to third parties in exchange for services or other benefits, such as advertising support. In practical terms, this can involve the use of personal information to facilitate marketing efforts, including sending promotional emails or delivering targeted content. The term “sharing” has a distinct meaning as well, referring to the transfer or availability of personal data to third parties for purposes like cross-context behavioral advertising, regardless of the method used to transmit that information.
Residents of Virginia are covered by the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, which offers a similar set of protections with some important differences. Under this law, individuals have the right to opt out of the sale of their personal data, the use of that data for targeted advertising, and certain types of profiling activities. The definition of a “sale” in Virginia is narrower, applying specifically to situations where personal data is exchanged for monetary compensation. This law also introduces the concept of “processing,” which refers to a wide range of actions performed on personal information. These actions can include collecting, organizing, storing, analyzing, sharing, or deleting data, whether conducted manually or through automated systems.
In the course of its operations, Beiersdorf, Inc. may collaborate with third-party partners to deliver advertising and marketing content that aligns with user interests. These practices can involve the use of personal data to provide more relevant and personalized messaging across different platforms. While such approaches are widely used in digital marketing, the company recognizes the importance of safeguarding personal privacy and ensuring that individuals retain control over how their data is utilized.
To support these rights, individuals who qualify under applicable laws are provided with the option to opt out of future data sales or sharing activities. This allows users to limit how their information is disclosed or used in connection with advertising and related services. When submitting such a request, certain identifying details—such as a name and an associated email address—may be required to verify the individual’s identity and ensure that the request is accurately recorded and applied.
In addition to opting out, California residents may also exercise the right to restrict how sensitive personal information is used or disclosed. Sensitive data may include specific categories defined under applicable regulations, depending on the nature of the interaction and services involved. The extent to which such information is collected varies, and a full explanation of data categories and usage practices is typically outlined in a company’s privacy policy.
It is also important to distinguish that publicly available information, such as records lawfully obtained from government sources, is not considered sensitive personal data under these regulations. The right to limit usage applies only to qualifying categories as defined by law. Individuals who wish to exercise this right can submit a request to restrict future use or disclosure of such information, following a verification process similar to other privacy-related requests.
Maintaining responsible data practices and clear communication remains a key priority. Individuals are encouraged to review available privacy policies to better understand how personal information is handled, including how it is collected, stored, and protected. These policies also provide guidance on available rights and the procedures required to exercise them.
By offering accessible options to manage personal data preferences, companies aim to comply with evolving privacy requirements while respecting individual choices. These efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of personal information, ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions about how their data is used both now and in the future.

