California online tracking, 'eraser button' bills set to alter online privacy

Gov Jerry Brown (D-CA) signed into law a bill changing the way websites deal with Internet users under the age of 18. A second bill still sitting on the Governor's desk, which he is likely to sign soon, would require websites to tell all Internet users if and how they can opt out of online tracking.

The new law introduces an “eraser button” to protect minors surfing online by requiring sites to take down information posted by a minor upon request. It also restricts what kind of products can be advertised to Internet users under the age of 18 on websites and apps directed at minors. Supporters said the new law would allow young Internet users to get rid of embarrassing information on social media websites that could haunt them for years. The initial bills faced heavy criticism from members of the Internet industry. According to technology lawyers who worked on the bills when first introduced, the two pieces of legislation were not technology neutral and would have harmed the online advertising ecosystem. Gov. Brown has until Oct. 13 to act on the Do Not Track bill. If he doesn’t act by then, the bill becomes law automatically.