Cybersecurity Policy Report, Legislation to Streamline Privacy Opt-Out Process Sent to California Governor, (Sep 24, 2025)
A bill that would require web browsers to provide a clear, user-friendly opt-out setting for consumers to prevent the sale or sharing of their personal information has been sent to California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D.) for his signature.
AB 566 would prohibit a business from developing or maintaining a browser that does not include a “functionality configurable by a consumer that enables the browser to send an opt-out preference signal, as defined, to businesses with which the consumer interacts through the browser,” effective Jan. 1, 2027.
The bill is similar to a bill (A.B. 3048, Reg Sess.) that was vetoed last year by Gov. Newsom. The governor at the time said that while he supported the intent of the bill, he had concerns about the mandate it would impose on operating system developers. In response to the governor’s concerns, the updated California Opt Me Out Act would not place obligations on operating systems but would limit its focus to browsers and browser engines.
The bill also would require a business that develops or maintains a browser to make clear to a consumer in its public disclosures how the opt-out preference signal works and the types of personal information to which the signal would apply.
The bill (A.B. 566, Reg Sess.) was sponsored by Assembly member Josh Lowenthal (D.) and the California Privacy Protection Agency.
News: StateLegislation DataPrivacy CCPA