Humans represent the greatest threat, but this species is occasionally preyed upon by Killer Whales ( Orcinus orca ) and larger conspecifics.

Extreme; this species is responsible for the vast majority of unprovoked attacks on humans (surfers, divers, swimmers, and kayakers) along the Pacific Coast, many of them fatal

Fishing: classed as a gamefish, this huge and powerful shark requires specialized equipment and tactics, including fighting chair, 130-lb (60-kg) test line, 20-ft (6-m) wire leader, 12/0 reel, and extensive use of chum to attract it to the boat.

Curios:  jaws and teeth are much sought-after, fetching high prices.

Eco-Tourism: thriving eco-tourism industries have developed in scattered locations around the globe, including (most notably) off South Australia, South Africa, and off California.  There is currently much conflict between tour operators, who argue that they and their clients have a right to observe White Sharks in the wild, and researchers who argue that tourism activities interferes with their work.

Rare to sporadic compared with other sharks, but often seasonally abundant near large pinniped rookeries on offshore islands

A regionally protected species off South Africa, Namibia, Maldives, Australia, California, the US Atlantic Seaboard and Gulf Coast (including Florida), and in the Mediterranean (including off Malta), where it is illegal to pursue, capture, or possess in whole or in part. 

International protection under CITES has not yet been granted, allowing a sizable Black Market network to perpetuate sales of White Shark jaws and teeth.