Mobile app developers, beware: California is set to begin fining mobile app developers that release apps that lack a clear -- and easily accessible -- privacy policy.

The state's Attorney General, Kamala D. Harris, this week began notifying numerous businesses that collectively develop as many as 100 different mobile apps that they're currently breaking the California Online Privacy Protection Act -- a.k.a. CalOPPA -- by not having such privacy policies in place. In letters dated Oct. 29, the businesses were informed that they have "30 days to conspicuously post a privacy policy within their app that informs users of what personally identifiable information about them is being collected and what will be done with that private information," according to a statement released by Harris's office.

Violators will face fines of up to $2,500 for every non-compliant app that gets downloaded. "Protecting the privacy of online consumers is a serious law enforcement matter," said Harris in a statement. "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.

According to Harris's office, the California Online Privacy Protection Act "requires commercial operators of online services, including mobile and social apps, which collect personally identifiable information from Californians, to conspicuously post a privacy policy." To help enforce those privacy protections, the state's Attorney General recently added a new privacy enforcement and protection unit.

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