Why a new California law could change the way all Americans browse the internet - Local News Matters

California's Assembly Bill 566 requires web browsers to offer an opt-out signal for users to prevent the sharing of their personal data, setting a potential national standard for internet privacy. The law, backed by the California Privacy Protection Agency, mandates compliance by early 2027, which could simplify privacy protections for users across the U. S. Emory Roane from Privacy Rights Clearinghouse emphasized that the technical implementation is straightforward and expects the law to have broad implications. Currently, consumers must navigate websites individually to opt-out, which many advocates argue undermines meaningful privacy rights.

The legislation aims to automate this process, providing a single toggle for data protection. Some browsers have already adopted similar settings, but this law makes it a requirement. Experts warn that some websites may attempt to bypass these protections based on user location, which could lead to legal violations. Overall, the law enhances consumer rights and reflects a growing trend toward stronger privacy regulations.