*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).
At this point, most of us feel we couldn't live without our smartphones. And this dependence is enabled by addictive apps and feedback mechanisms called intermittent variable rewards.
Shaun Newsum, Founder at ICO Watchdog, says that his messaging gives users the scoop on everything related to digital coins, such as price of Bitcoin and new ICOs.
When it comes to Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, it seems like there is a never-ending stream of news and a new initial coin offering every day. That is why Shaun Newsum launched ICO Watchdog, a financial information service aimed at keeping cryptocurrencies and the companies around them accountable.
Birch Finance suggests the best credit card for you based off of your spending habits. 2017 saw a lot of new card offerings and deals, but Birch Finance believes the deals are only going to get better in 2018.
Duracell's "PowerForward" initiative is working to help relief efforts in Puerto Rico after it was devastated by Hurricane Maria. Alfonso Arteaga, Senior Brand Manager at the company, explains how Duracell is providing internet access to those in need.
Four major technology companies potentially eyeing an IPO in 2018 include Spotify, Lyft, Airbnb, and WeWork. Reuter's Breaking Views Global Editor Rob Cox shares why these companies are poised for further disruption in their marketplaces.
Facebook is no longer using red flags next to fake news articles according to a new report by Axios. Sara Fischer, Media Reporter at Axios, explains why the social media giant is shifting its strategy, and her outlook for the digital ad space in 2018.
Between Bells: Motor Trend's Car, Truck, and SUV of the year, the top entertainment stories of 2017, and gearing up for recreational cannabis legalization in 2018. We're joined by Cannabis Culture, Rare Media, PCMag, Hollywood Life and more.
Rob Cox, the Global Editor of Reuters Breakingviews, says that these private companies (Spotify, Lyft, Airbnb, and WeWork) have the potential to change the landscape as they go public.
Communities around the country are beginning to recognize the importance of computer science education, but only one city is devoting an entire month to the cause. Chicago City of Learning's Sybil Madison-Boyd joins Cheddar to tell us all about the Windy City's Month of Code initiative.
