Privacy In Focus: California's Legislative Session Closes With Major Changes

California's legislature has once again taken center stage in the national privacy conversation, passing a flurry of privacy bills during a marathon session that stretched into the night of September 12.

These newly approved measures—ranging from social media warnings to health data protections to global opt-outs for both browsers and data brokers—now await Governor Gavin Newsom's signature, with an October 12 deadline looming for him to sign or veto each bill. California also passed a raft of new bills related to artificial intelligence (AI) that are similarly waiting for Governor Newsom's signature.

Social Media Platforms

AB 56 requires the display of a "black box warning" on social media platforms to alert users, especially children, about the risks extensive social media use may pose to their mental health. Social media platforms must display the label to users of all ages when they first use the platform, and at least once a week after that initial use,