California legislature passes bill forcing web browsers to let consumers automatically opt out of data sharing

The California legislature on Thursday passed a bill to require internet browsers to feature a setting that allows consumers to send a signal indicating they want to opt out of having their personal data shared with third parties.

The California Consumer Privacy Act gives consumers there the right to send opt-out preference signals, but major browsers have to date failed to offer the functionality needed for them to do so.

The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for a signature. Newsom vetoed an earlier version of the bill that also would have applied to mobile operating systems last year.

If Newsom signs the bill, browser companies will be forced to allow consumers to turn on an opt-out preference signal to automatically send an opt-out request to every website they visit.

“It is far too difficult for most people to use their existing privacy rights,” Matt Schwartz, a policy analyst for Consumer Reports, said in a prepared statement celebrating the passage of the bill.