*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).

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Opening Bell: March 20, 2018
The fallout from Facebook's latest data scandal continues to intensify. The Weinstein Co. officially files for bankruptcy protection after many attempts to sell the company failed. Josh Sternberg, tech editor for AdWeek, joins us to discusses how Uber moves forward after one of its driverless cars killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona. And Bri Bauer from Dairy Queen brings ice cream cones to the trading floor to celebrate the company's National Cone Day. On the first day of spring, Dairy Queen gives customers free vanilla ice cream cones.
How to Prevent Future Driverless Car Fatalities
Slowing down test programs in "non-controlled environments" in these early stages of development will help regulation keep up, says Jason Levine, Executive Director of The Center for Auto Safety.
Facebook Under Fire
Damon Beres, executive editor at Mashable, talks about Cambridge Analytica's misuse of Facebook user information in the 2016 election. Beres discusses how the company may be on the brink of facing government regulation in the wake of this revelation as well as Russia's use of the platform in the 2016 election. We talk what this means for users and whether any users will limit or alter their use of the site. Beres explains both sides of the argument, but adds that he would not be surprised if users say "enough is enough."
Could the AT&T / Time Warner Deal Be Good Business?
"Content is king, and pipes are commodities." That, in a nutshell, is why the wireless giant wants to join forces with the content creator, explains Ben Gomes-Casseres, professor of International Business at Brandeis International Business School. The DoJ is seeking to block the merger, citing anti-trust issues, and the trial will kick off on Wednesday.
Snapchat Bans Cryptocurrency ICO Ads
Snap Inc. has banned advertising of so-called initial coin offerings (ICOs) in the Snapchat app, the company told Cheddar on Monday. The move is the first time Snap has cracked down on cryptocurrency advertising.
The Backlash After Uber's Fatal Self-Driving Car Incident
People are already calling to pull back autonomous car testing, says Andrew Hawkins, transport reporter at The Verge. On Sunday, one of Uber's self-driving cars struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona, prompting the company to suspend all testing of its self-driving cars.
Opening Bell: March 19, 2018
Facebook is in hot water again after revelations that a data firm gained access to information from millions of users without their knowledge. Apple is reportedly developing its own display screens. Russian President Vladimir Putin was re-elected again by an overwhelming majority. Plus, Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant talk about season two of their Netflix show, "Santa Clarita Diet."
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