SACRAMENTO, CA — The California State Assembly passed three major consumer protection bills authored by Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) to strengthen privacy rights, curb exploitative business practices, and protect consumers in the digital marketplace.
The legislative package includes AB 1542, the California Data Privacy Act; AB 1921, the Protect Our Games Act; and AB 2564, the Surveillance Pricing Act.
“Californians should not have to sacrifice their privacy, pay manipulated prices, or lose access to products they already purchased simply because corporations prioritize profits over consumers,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward. “These bills push back against some of the most exploitative practices in the digital economy and reaffirm that people—not corporations—should control their personal information and purchases.”
AB 1542, the California Data Privacy Act, closes a loophole in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) by prohibiting businesses from selling or sharing sensitive personal information with third parties. The bill protects consumers’ highly personal data, including information connected to health care, precise location, and places of worship.
AB 1921, the Protect Our Games Act, requires companies to notify consumers before shutting down server-connected video games. Companies must also either provide continued access to a playable version of the game or issue refunds to consumers who purchased it.
AB 2564, the Surveillance Pricing Act, prohibits businesses from using a consumer’s personal information to change prices based on individualized data profiles, a practice known as surveillance pricing.
The bills now move to the Senate for consideration.