*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).
The competition is on for new medicinal marijuana licenses in New Jersey after Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy prioritized cannabis production when he took office. The CEO of one potential licensee, Moxie, thinks the state has "passed the tipping point" for accepting medical pot at the state level.
Chad Morganlander, portfolio manager at Washington Crossing Advisors, and Daniel Ives, managing director at Wedbush Securities, urged caution and long-term thinking for investors not used to this kind of volatility.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know.
The Dow was back to session lows late Thursday morning after briefly entering the green following Wednesday's widespread sell-off.
Google's community-based traffic app epanded its carpool service to customers in the U.S. on Wednesday. Josh Fried, head of carpool at Waze, said the main goal is to reduce traffic and make it easier for its customers to carpool effectively.
In July, AT&T made a strategic investment in Magic Leap, the high-profile augmented reality start-up. It was a key move as the telecoms giant continues its push toward winning the 5G race. Cheddar caught up with John Donovan, CEO of AT&T Communications, to discuss the tie-up and what 5G will mean for consumers.
DeKryptic is combining the fashion industry and the technology industry to bring your clothes to life through augmented reality. Christopher Fermoselle, Co-Owner and Creative Director of DeKryptic and Boosted Art, demonstrates how his mobile app can make the images on garments animate, and explains why that's a valuable marketing tool.
Cyrus Massoumi is CEO of the new $30 million venture fund that invests in founder-led start-ups. He said companies do their best when they are being led by their founders because "no one is going to care as much as the parent."
AT&T announced on Wednesday that it will launch a streaming video service next year, with offerings from its newly acquired HBO, Turner, and Warner Bros units. Richard Plepler, CEO of HBO, said the company is committed to investing in new content and that 2019 will be the "most robust and varied year of programming" for HBO.
Hurricane Michael strengthened to a Category 4 overnight as it barrels towards the Florida Panhandle. AccuWeather predicts the hurricane will cause $30 billion in damage. SoftBank is reportedly in talks to take a majority stake in WeWork. Plus, Cheddar's Alyssa Julya Smith chats with actor Caleel Harris about what to expect from the upcoming 'Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween' movie and his role in Ava DuVernay's 'Central Park Five' TV series.
