California’s New Browser Law Makes Data Opt-Out Easier

alifornia is introducing a new law, known as AB 566, which requires web browsers to provide a one-click tool allowing users to opt out of data sharing and third-party data sales. This means that once a user opts out, they won’t have to repeatedly reject tracking or data sharing on every website they visit.

Until now, users who wanted to prevent their data from being shared had to manually adjust privacy settings on each site individually—a process that was long and tedious. With this new law, browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge must include a universal opt-out functionality in their settings by January 1, 2027.

Although the law applies to California users, it is expected that browsers may implement this functionality for users across the United States—or even globally—because maintaining separate versions for one state could be technically and legally challenging.

Experts say that this change could significantly impact privacy and data-sharing practices. Millions of users who previously shared data with websites and advertisers could now easily opt out, reducing the reach of data brokers and ad-tracking companies.

This law marks a major step forward for digital privacy. If other states or countries follow California’s lead, it could reshape web browsing norms, giving users far more control over their personal information online.