Home
Social networking
Social networking News
Facebook to Stop Spending Against California Privacy Effort

Facebook to Stop Spending Against California Privacy Effort

By Associated Press | Updated: 13 April 2018 11:24 IST

Highlights

California initiative aimed at consumers controlling their data
It would require companies to disclose types of information collected
They would also have to disclose whether they've sold it

Facebook says it will stop spending money to fight a proposed California ballot initiative aimed at giving consumers more control over their data.

The measure, known as the "California Consumer Privacy Act," would require companies to disclose upon request what types of personal information they collect about someone and whether they've sold it. It also would allow customers to opt out of having their data sold.

The company made the announcement Wednesday as chief executive Mark Zuckerberg underwent questioning from Congress about the handling of user data.

Pressure has mounted on Facebook to explain its privacy controls following revelations that a Republican-linked firm conducted widespread data harvesting.

Facebook had donated $200,000 (roughly Rs. 1.3 crores) to a committee opposing the initiative in California - part of a $1 million effort by tech giants to keep it off the November ballot.

Facebook said it ended its support "to focus our efforts on supporting reasonable privacy measures in California."

Proponents of the ballot measure applauded the move.

"We are thrilled," said Mary Ross, president of Californians for Consumer Privacy.

The California Chamber of Commerce and other groups are fighting to keep the measure off the ballot through the "Committee to Protect California Jobs." Google, AT&T, Verizon and Comcast also contributed $200,000 each to that effort in February.

Committee spokesman Steve Maviglio said the measure would hurt the California economy.

"It is unworkable and requires the internet in California to operate differently - limiting our choices, hurting our businesses, and cutting our connection to the global economy," he said.

Comments

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Further reading: Social, Facebook, Cambridge Analytica, Facebook Data Scandal, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook Scandal, Facebook Data Leak, US, US Election, California

Netflix Renews Jessica Jones for Season 3

Uber Drivers Are Not Company Employees, US Judge Rules

Facebook to Stop Spending Against California Privacy Effort

Related Stories