*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).
According to the Small Business Administration, there are 30.2 million small businesses in the U.S. Stephanie M. Casey, CEO of Lovage, Inc., shares tips to help your website catch and keep the attention of your customers.
Assembly Bill 5, which the state Senate approved on Tuesday, would require employers to treat independent contractors — like Lyft and Uber drivers — as regular employees.
At the Apple Special Event from the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, the hardware giant revealed big updates to its iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches, but also delivered news on services like Apple+ and Apple Arcade.
Fact or Fiction: It’s never been harder to reach today’s Millennials and Gen Z consumers. Brian Fanzo, founder of iSocialFanz, joins Cheddar to break down this myth and help entrepreneurs grow their business.
Elliott Management Corporation, an activist investment firm, called for major changes at AT&T on Monday and unveiled a plan that it says could boost the telecommunication company's stock by 65 percent in the coming years.
Stripe, which has become the highest valued private fintech company at $22.5 billion by giving merchants a way to accept digital payments, launched Stripe Capital on Thursday.
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.
Facebook Dating — a service that will pair users up based on location, listed interests, and Facebook activity — launched in the U.S. on Thursday.
Once a skill solely possessed by so-called computer nerds, now even parents and toddlers are learning how to code. Cem Eltutar, founder of Creoqode, explains how his technology uses robots and games to easily teach people how to code.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Thursday, September 5, 2019.
