*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).

Share:
More In Technology
Tech Companies Lead U.S. Stock Rally Following Global Gains
Technology companies and banks led a broad rally for U.S. stocks in midday trading Tuesday following solid gains overseas. China took more steps to soften the financial blow of the virus outbreak and its main stock index rose following a plunge a day earlier.
Google Maps Street View: A Review From the Passenger Seat
Cheddar got an exclusive ride in the front seat of a Street View vehicle in New York City -- and sat down with Andrew Lookingbill, engineering director at Google Maps, and Ethan Russell, the director of product management at Google.
Load More