*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).
Despite reports of a rough launch from some reviewers, Jack Buser, director of games and business development for Google, couldn't be more excited for the system's future.
Brandon Krieg, CEO of Stash, welcomes the fintech ambitions of companies like Google and Amazon saying it will "help us all stay on our toes."
Aircam Chief Technology Officer David Hopkins talked with Cheddar about how the app will allow amateur and pro photographer alike to automate the image downloading, editing, and sharing process.
The Winklevoss-led cryptocurrency exchange Gemini has made its first acquisition: a platform that lets users buy and manage non-fungible tokens called Nifty Gateway.
The social media company is worried its Chinese roots could get in the way of growth opportunities and is now considering ideas like moving operations to Singapore and rebranding the app in the U.S., according to a report.
Thousands of accounts were reportedly posted on Reddit and hacker forums. Disney+ users flocked to Twitter and Reddit to complain.
The automaker expanded its lineup of the iconic Mustang model with an all-electric version — and the line's first SUV. "It's time to transition to electrification," Ford president of automotive Joe Hinrichs told Cheddar Monday.
The CEO of ad cybersecurity firm CHEQ, Guy Tytunovich, told Cheddar that "fake news" is a "major, major problem" costing people control of their lives globally.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know.
Electric vehicle charging plans are still 'in the dark ages' according to StreetLight Data and so-called "range anxiety" remains one of the most stubborn challenges facing broader adoption of battery-powered cars and SUVs.
