*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).
VF Hive looks at the intersection of Wall Street, Silicon Valley and Washington D.C. and the egos that drive them. Between Bells follows the latest business, technology, and culture news.
VF Hive editor Jon Kelly, Kristin Scholer and the Hive panel take us through the five biggest stories of the week in politics, business and technology.
Michael Markesbery, Co-founder and CEO of OROS, discusses his company's plan to disrupt the outerwear market through its use of aerogel technology, typically used by NASA for its spacesuits. Markesbery talks how OROS separates itself from high-end competitors like Canada Goose.
Bharath Kadaba, Chief Innovation Officer at Intuit, discusses the company's use of Amazon Web Service for the implementation of it artificial intelligence and machine learning products. He also discusses how the software company aimed at small businesses will handle tax reform should there be a rewrite of the tax code.
General Motors gets ready to unveil its self-driving technology to some pretty eager analysts. It's president said the car will be ready in "quarters, not years." Mike Brown, Technology Reporter at Inverse, explains what this move means in GM's quest to be a leader in the driverless car market.
Cheddar explores the rising popularity of Bitcoin with Rob Marvin, Associate Features Editor at PCMag.com, and Robert Hackett, Reporter at Fortune. The cryptocurrency hit record highs on Wednesday morning before dipping back down to just over $9,000 on Thursday.
The holiday season is officially upon us. If Cyber Monday is any sign of what to expect from the retail sector, we should be prepared for a lot of online shopping. As more dollars exchange hands over the internet, the need to step up efforts to fight online fraudulent activity becomes more important than ever. Michael Reitblat, CEO and Co-Founder of Forter, a real-time fraud prevention company, joined us on set to discuss how to combat fraud.
The recent Uber hack that compromised information of 57 million users has many people worried about cyber security. Reitblat emphasises that everyone needs to calm down, because the cyber threat is not as bad as it seems. He advises that as long as you are prepared, you’re information is more likely to be protected.
Forter offers end-to-end solutions for retail fraud. The company alerts clients in real-time and proceeds to block the fraudulent user. Reitblat offers tips and best practices to avoid becoming a fraud victim.
Former astronaut Mae Jemison is a groundbreaker on many levels. And now she's advocating to get children toys that can teach them about science and technology at an early age.
Michael Copps, a former commissioner at the FCC, told Cheddar that, as current Chairman Ajit Pai pushes to roll back net neutrality regulations, Americans can trust the courts and continue to push back against those efforts.
In October, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, said artificial intelligence is the next major revolution of our time and selected a state minister to focus on this space. The newly appointed Omar Sultan AlOlama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence for the UAE, says his top priority is to discuss how governments should address A.I., and put regulations in place.
In September Elon Musk tweeted, "Competition for A.I. superiority at a national level most likely cause of WW3." Musk has been no stranger about his fears of A.I. AlOlama says every concern is valid. He says Mark Zuckerberg is talking about the short term, while Elon Musk has his eyes on long term. But governments need to have these types of discussions today, says AlOlama.
The UAE is also working on a project in partnership with Oxford University and UNESCO to restore artifacts through technology. Recently, ISIS has destroyed historic artifacts. Through this partnership, the group 3D printed the Arc of Palmyra to bring it back to life. The World Government Summit is from February 11th to February 13th. Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama is the Managing Director of the summit.