California to Reconsider Online Privacy Bill

By: Joe Mullin | PaidContent.org

There's been growing talk about passing an online privacy law in Congress, but a group of California legislators isn't going to wait-they're pushing the issue in Sacramento, backing an online privacy bill backed by State Sen. Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro). That bill failed in the state senate last week, but Sen. Corbett is looking for a re-vote that could come as soon as today. She's pushing forward despite strong opposition from business groups and tech companies.

The list of companies opposing the bill includes a who's-who of big internet companies, including Facebook, Google, Twitter, Yahoo, LinkedIn, Zynga, Match.com and several startups.

The bill would require social networks to make users' settings private by default, and have information shared only on an opt-in basis. It would also require new users to verify their privacy settings during the registration process. Companies that violate the rules could be liable for fines of up to $10,000 per violation.