*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).
If you ever stare at the random assortment of ingredients in your fridge and wonder how you can possibly turn those items into a palatable meal, then Innit could be the best new app for you. Innit is a new app that streamlines and personalizes the cooking process from the store, to your fridge, to your plate.
It seems the future of media could be wireless and CobbleCord is a company that is helping facilitate that. Virginia Juliano is the CEO and co-founder of CobbleCord, and she joins Cheddar to explain how CobbleCord is making it easier for consumers to go wireless.
Bitcoin debuted on the world's largest futures exchange on Sunday. CME Group launched their Bitcoin Futures, a move that further promotes and brings attention to the cryptocurrency craze.
Airpods are now sold out for the holidays at Apple Stores. Macworld Staff Writer Michael Simon explains why this tech accessory is now resonating with consumers.
Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities and Alternative Investments at the commodities and futures exchange, says that demand has been strong leading into the launch.
This Changes Things provides advice for the executives and leaders of tomorrow, powered by American Express OPEN. Between Bells has the latest tech, culture, and business news.
Mark Spoonauer, Editor-in-Chief of Tom's Guide joins Cheddar to discuss some of the best gifts for that tech-savvy friend this holiday season. From smart doorbells to protective routers Cheddar has you covered!
James Putra, Director of Product Strategy & Innovation at TradeStation Technologies, joins The Long and The Short from a cryptocurrency cafe in Prague! He explains how the Bitcoin craze is being received in Europe and what you need to know before investing in Bitcoin.
This was a wild year for the tech sector, but how did social media companies specifically do? Daniel Ives, Chief Strategy Officer & Head of Technology Research at GBH Insights, and Jason Moser, Analyst at The Motley Fool, join The Long and The Short to discuss Snap, Twitter, and Facebook.
James Putra, product strategy leader at TradeStation, tells Cheddar how Europe is reacting to digital currency.
