*By Mike Teich*
A sweeping data privacy bill has been approved in California, but it may be too late for internet users to protect their information, said former National Counterterrorism Center officer Dave White.
"You have to consider yourself compromised," he said. "You’ve already given your data away."
Experts are calling it the nation's most far-reaching law to give consumers more control over their personal data. Under the law, customers can request what personal data companies have collected and what third parties have received it.
The passing of the historical bill didn't come without criticism. The ACLU of Northern California said the legislation falls "woefully short" in defending individuals' rights.
"It's a great first step," White said. However, “it doesn’t go far enough."
Companies that collect user data, from Amazon to Microsoft to Uber, lobbied aggressively against the law, pouring millions into a [opposition campaigns](https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/15/17468292/amazon-microsoft-uber-california-consumer-privacy-act).
But consumer advocates called it a milestone victory. "Today was a [huge win](http://money.cnn.com/2018/06/28/technology/california-consumer-privacy-act/index.html) and gives consumer privacy advocates a blueprint for success," James P. Steyer, CEO and founder of Common Sense Media. "We look forward to working together with lawmakers across the nation to ensure robust data privacy protections for all Americans."
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/california-passes-historic-privacy-bill).
Facebook capped a tumultuous 2020 with soaring earnings in the final quarter, its user base boosted by people staying home and its revenue buoyed by a shift to digital advertising amid the pandemic.
Sara Luchian, director of passenger experience at Virgin Hyperloop, spoke to Cheddar about managing perceptions about the proposed high-speed rail project.
In the David and Goliath saga that has been captivating and confusing Wall Street recently, Goliath has fallen.
Washington Mystics forward Aerial Powers spoke to Cheddar about championing women in the world of video games and esports.
Easily track health stats like hydration and body composition through this smart strap and accompanying app.
Fort Collins, Colorado Mayor Wade Troxell, a member of the FAA drone advisory committee, spoke with Cheddar about how the recently implemented rules will affect the use of drones going forward.
The highly-rated bundle includes 220 lessons designed by Certified Ableton Instructor J. Allen for a proper education on one of the industry’s most important tools.
Jeremy King, senior vice president of engineering at Pinterest, joined Cheddar to talk about the augmented reality tools the social media platform is utilizing to improve e-commerce experiences for users.
Following Virgin Orbit's successful launch of satellites using its novel air launch system, CEO Dan Hart spoke with Cheddar about the future of space travel using this method.
From Wall Street to Silicon Valley, these are the top stories that moved markets and had investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs talking this week on Cheddar.
