Privacy Opt-Out Mandate for Browsers Enacted in California

Californians gained more rights to block the sale or sharing of their web browser data under legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Wednesday.

The state becomes the first to mandate browsers such as Alphabet Inc.‘s Google Chrome contain such data-blocking requirements. Tech businesses opposed the measure (AB 566) because they generate significant revenue from advertising, which uses collected user data for targeted displays.

State privacy law gives residents a right to opt out of businesses sharing their data, typically by clicking on buttons or links on websites they visit. The new law, which takes effect ...