Under the CCPA, in which situation can personal data be collected without consent?

The correct answer pertains to the provision in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) that allows for the collection of personal data to fulfill transactions. This is essential for businesses to operate effectively and meet their contractual obligations to consumers. When a consumer makes a purchase or participates in a service, the collection and use of personal data are generally permissible without additional consent because it is directly related to the transaction itself.

Fulfilling a transaction involves processing payments, delivering goods or services, and managing order fulfillment, which naturally requires the collection of certain personal information. The CCPA recognizes the necessity of this data collection in the context of transactional relationships, allowing businesses to operate smoothly while still adhering to privacy obligations in other contexts.

In contrast, the other scenarios presented, such as marketing, demographic analysis, and product development, typically rely on an individual's consent or an opt-out provision under the CCPA. These activities may involve the use of personal data in ways that are not strictly necessary for fulfilling a transaction, thus requiring a different legal basis for collection.