EFF and Allies Halt Expansion of California Age-Gating Law, Raise Concerns Over Missed Privacy Opportunities
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and its allies successfully prevented the expansion of California's age-gating law, AB 1856, which aimed to extend its reach from operating systems to web browsers. This expansion could have posed significant threats to users' speech, privacy, and security online. The legislature ultimately removed the problematic language from the bill, also exempting open-source operating systems from its burdens. While the EFF still views the underlying age-gating law (AB 1043) as unconstitutional, they acknowledged the positive step taken by lawmakers in not broadening its scope. However, the legislative session also saw missed opportunities to enhance consumer privacy. AB 2564, a bill supported by EFF to prohibit surveillance pricing—where corporations offer different prices based on personal data scrutiny—stalled on the final day. Additionally, AB 322, which would have restricted the collection, use, and sale of location data, also failed to pass, leaving California behind oth...
