California’s new Assembly Bill 566, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 8, 2025, could revolutionize how Americans manage their online privacy. The law mandates that web browsers offer an opt-out signal to prevent websites from sharing or selling personal information. This legislation, known as the Opt Me Out Act, amends the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, aiming to simplify the process for consumers by allowing a single opt-out mechanism instead of multiple requests across different websites and apps.
The law, which will take effect on January 1, 2027, requires web browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge to implement this feature. According to CalMatters, the law is expected to have a nationwide impact, as it may be easier for companies to implement the feature for all users rather than just Californians. Emory Roane from Privacy Rights Clearinghouse stated, “We expect it to have a national impact.”
The California Privacy Protection Agency, along with several advocacy groups, sponsored the legislation. The agency’s Executive Director, Tom Kemp, emphasized that the law is designed to give Californians control over their personal information without the hassle of navigating multiple opt-out processes. Hunton reports that the law provides a safe harbor for browser operators that offer the opt-out functionality, protecting them from liability if a business fails to honor the signal.
As Callabor Law notes, this law is part of California’s broader efforts to enhance consumer data privacy. It is the first of its kind in the U.S., potentially setting a new standard for web privacy across the country. However, some websites may attempt to only respect the signal for users in states mandating it, a move that could be legally risky.
The implementation of this law marks a significant step towards more robust privacy rights for consumers, with advocates continuing to push for further expansions in privacy preferences, including for smart devices and vehicles.
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