California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: opt-out preference signal.

Assembly Member Lowenthal's privacy legislation would require web browsers and mobile operating systems to include built-in settings allowing consumers to opt out of personal information sharing with businesses. The measure builds upon California's existing consumer privacy framework by mandating specific technical features in common software platforms.

Under the proposed requirements, businesses developing or maintaining web browsers must incorporate easily accessible settings enabling users to signal their opt-out preferences to websites they visit. The bill defines browsers as interactive software applications primarily used to access internet websites. Similar provisions would apply to mobile operating systems on smartphones and tablets six months after the California Privacy Protection Agency adopts implementing regulations.

The California Privacy Protection Agency would oversee implementation through new regulations defining technical specifications for the opt-out signals and ensuring the settings remain easy for consumers to locate and configure. The agency would also have authority to update definitions of browsers and mobile operating systems to address technological changes, implementation challenges, and evolving privacy considerations. The measure places these new requirements within the existing framework of the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 and the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020.