What went right this week: the good news that matters

California, home to many a data-hungry tech behemoth, has approved a new law to give citizens more agency over their online data. 

The California Opt Me Out Act obliges developers of web browsers to give users an easy, clearly signposted ‘opt-out‘ option, which will tell websites not to share or sell their personal information as they browse.

Campaign group Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC) has long advocated for such rights. It said that the “groundbreaking” new law is “a significant step forward” in data privacy, and “continued California’s role as a national leader in consumer data privacy”.  

The law, due to come into effect in 2027, builds on existing legislation that was largely unworkable – and onerous for web users. 

“Instead of visiting individual websites to opt out of data sales and sharing, consumers will be able to set their preference once in their browser settings,” said PRC. “Looking ahead, we hope to see this model extended to other internet-connected devices, vehicles, and beyond.” 

The new legislation provides a blueprint for other states and nations to follow, it added, meaning its impact will likely be felt beyond California’s borders. 

Read more: Five ways to shrink your digital footprint

Image: Brooke Cagle