September 4, 2024 at 06:23AM
The California state legislature passed a bill requiring internet browsers and mobile operating systems to offer a mechanism for users to opt out of the sale or sharing of their personal information. The bill now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature. This will result in a standardized process for opt-out requests, currently facilitated by third-party software.
It seems that the California state legislature has passed a bill that requires internet browsers and mobile operating systems to provide a mechanism for users to opt out of the sale or sharing of their personal information. This means that users will be able to select an opt-out preference signal on their internet browser or operating system, and the browser will automatically send out opt-out requests to every site and app the user visits. Currently, some major browsers and mobile platforms do not have these tools, so users are required to download third-party software to send opt-out preference signals.
The bill’s language specifies that the method for activating the opt-out process needs to be “easy for a reasonable person to locate and configure.” The California Privacy Protection Agency has expressed support for the bill’s advancement, noting that browsers natively supporting opt-out signals currently make up less than 10% of the global desktop browser market.
The CPPA Executive Director, Ashkan Soltani, commended the passage of the bill, recognizing it as a landmark effort that makes it significantly easier for Californians to exercise their opt-out rights online. While this is a state law applicable only to California residents, the required changes in browsers and operating systems mean that this opt-out mechanism will be available for all users.