The new data-privacy law has tech giants worried

Jerry Brown, the governor of California signed a data-privacy law that is a major cause of concern for all the internet giants of Silicon Valley. The new bill, known as AB 375, prompts the withdrawal of a privacy ballot initiative that was considered to be far more stringent. This move comes in the wake of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation that pushes many companies to alter their practices worldwide to better safeguard customer data.

“Today is a great day for California consumers,” said state Assemblyman Ed Chau, who led the efforts for the passage of the bill. “The legislature, the governor, just took a historic step in enacting legislation to protect children and consumers by giving them control over their own personal data,” he added.

This law gives Californians the right to opt out of the sale of any personal data as well as the right to have their data deleted. Additionally, the citizens also have the right to know what information has been collected on them. With this bill, the attorney general of California will also have the authority to enforce the same. California has long been the trend setter when it comes to adopting measures regarding environmental protection, women’s rights, LGBT right’s and data usage. Many hope that all the states will follow in California’s footsteps.

“It will expose businesses to unwarranted lawsuits while potentially taking away many of the innovations and special services consumers have come to expect,” said David French, senior vice president for government relations at the Washington-based lobbying group in a statement.