More Internet Law news More news in California Find Internet Law lawyers in California
On December 12, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a groundbreaking piece of legislation that significantly strengthens internet privacy protections for residents of the state. The new law, known as the California Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), aims to give Californians more control over their personal data and limit the ways in which companies can collect, use, and share their information.Under COPPA, internet companies operating in California will be required to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or sharing their personal data. This includes information such as browsing history, location data, and device identifiers. Companies will also be required to clearly disclose what data they collect and how it is used, as well as provide users with the option to opt out of data collection altogether.In addition to these consumer protections, COPPA also introduces strict penalties for companies that violate the law. Any company found to be in violation of the new regulations could face fines of up to $10,000 per violation, as well as potential criminal charges for intentional misconduct.Governor Newsom hailed the passage of COPPA as a major victory for Californians' privacy rights, stating, "In an age where our personal data is constantly being collected and monetized without our knowledge or consent, it is critical that we take action to ensure that our privacy is protected. With the signing of COPPA, California is leading the way in setting a new standard for internet privacy laws that puts consumers first."The passage of COPPA comes amid growing concerns about the ways in which tech companies collect and use personal data, as well as a broader push for increased privacy protections at the state and federal levels. Privacy advocates have praised the new law as a significant step forward in the fight for online privacy rights, while some industry groups have raised concerns about the potential impact on innovation and revenue streams.With COPPA set to take effect on January 1, 2026, companies operating in California will have to quickly adjust their data collection practices to comply with the new regulations. It remains to be seen how the law will be enforced and what impact it will have on the broader internet ecosystem, but one thing is clear – California is once again leading the way in the fight for online privacy rights.