California Law Ends Private Lawsuits Over Certain Internet-Tracking Claims
Summary
California’s SB 690 removes the private right to sue under CIPA over certain internet-tracking technologies. Supporters say it curbs abusive lawsuits; privacy advocates warn it weakens recourse against metadata surveillance.
Key points
- SB 690 narrows the California Invasion of Privacy Act by removing private lawsuits over specified pen-register and trap-and-trace claims.
- The law was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom; the change concerns claims involving internet-tracking tools such as cookies, analytics software and pixels.
- Supporters argue the provision generated thousands of lawsuits and demand letters against businesses using common website tools.
- Privacy and civil-rights groups say the change makes it harder for consumers to challenge unlawful metadata tracking and data sharing.
- Pen registers and trap-and-trace tools can record communications metadata, such as phone numbers, IP addresses and timestamps, without capturing conversation content.
Article Details
- Event Type
- California enacted SB 690, narrowing the California Invasion of Privacy Act by removing the private right to sue over certain internet-based pen-register and trap-and-trace claims.
- Impact
- Supporters say the change will curb lawsuits and demand letters against businesses using common website-tracking tools. Privacy advocates argue it weakens consumer protections and makes it harder for individuals to challenge unlawful metadata tracking.
People
Christine MastromonacoPrivacy attorney at Pillsbury who commented on demand letters sent to businesses under CIPA's pen-register and trap-and-trace provisions.Gavin NewsomCalifornia governor who signed SB 690 into law.Hayley TsukayamaEFF director of state affairs who opposed SB 690 and said the organization unsuccessfully lobbied for a veto.Shruti Bhutani AroraPrivacy attorney at Pillsbury who commented on demand letters sent to businesses under CIPA's pen-register and trap-and-trace provisions.