California continues its fight to protect the privacy of users on the Internet. On October 8, its much-publicized governor, Gavin Newsom, signed three laws moving in this direction, one of which will force web browsers to allow consumers to block the sharing of their data with third parties.
They will be required to include “a setting to send websites an opt-out preference signal to allow Californians to opt out of selling their data to third parties once rather than on each website,” the news release on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s website says.
The purpose of this law, which will take effect on January 1, 2027, is to help consumers exercise their right to opt out of information sharing under the California Consumer Privacy Act. In force since 2020, it aims to give consumers more control over the collection of their personal data by companies.
Delete collected data more easily
The second law strengthens regulations on the registration of data brokers, requiring them to provide Internet users with more information about the personal information they collect and the people who are likely to have access to it. It also complements the Deletion Act, which, starting in August 2026, will allow Californians to permanently delete their personal data from all registered data brokers from a single interface.
Finally, the third law signed by Gavin Newsom will force social networks to simplify and clarify the procedure for deleting an account, which will involve the complete deletion of the user’s personal data.
“Deleting social media accounts should not be complicated, and regaining control of your personal data should not be even more complicated. Thanks to these laws, social media users can be sure that by deleting their accounts they will not leave their data behind,” said the governor.
While these laws obviously have limited direct and geographic impact, they will encourage web browser developers to review how their software works, which will hopefully lead to greater respect for user privacy around the world. After all, the GDPR has taken effect in the United States and, in particular, in California with the passage of the California Consumer Privacy Act.
Source: BFM TV
