California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: opt-out preference signal.
If passed, AB 566 will amend California's Civil Code to include provisions specifically aimed at ensuring that consumer preferences regarding personal information are respected. The requirement for an opt-out preference signal serves to bolster the existing rights provided under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), by introducing specific technical standards that companies must adhere to. This will likely lead to significant compliance requirements for businesses developing digital platforms, thereby driving changes in how consumer information is collected and used.
Assembly Bill 566, also known as the California Opt Me Out Act, seeks to enhance consumer privacy protections by mandating that businesses develop and maintain browsers and mobile operating systems that include a setting for consumers to send an opt-out preference signal. This signal would empower consumers to restrict how their personal information is sold or shared with third parties. The bill stipulates that this setting must be easy to locate and configure, which reflects an effort to promote transparency and control for users in the digital space.
The general sentiment surrounding AB 566 appears to be largely positive, particularly among consumer advocacy groups, who view the bill as a necessary step toward safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital society. However, some stakeholders from the tech industry may perceive the new regulations as burdensome or overly complex, potentially raising concerns about their ability to innovate while remaining compliant with evolving privacy standards.
Notable points of contention may arise around the technical specifications and implementation timelines for the opt-out preference signal, as well as the extent of the regulatory authority granted to the California Privacy Protection Agency for enforcement. Questions regarding the definitions of 'browser' and 'mobile operating system' could lead to debates over which platforms are encompassed and how broadly the bill applies, potentially impacting a range of digital services from small startups to large corporations.