California Governor Vetoes Sensitive Data Sales Ban Amid Stronger State Privacy Laws

• •California vetoed a bill banning sensitive data sales, contrary to other states' actions.
• •Maryland and Connecticut have enacted stricter privacy protections, including geolocation data bans.
• •Consumer advocacy groups are disappointed, citing risks of identity theft and exploitation.

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have banned the sale of sensitive personal data, diverging from states like Maryland and New Jersey that have enacted such bans. Newsom expressed support for protecting personal information but deemed a categorical ban excessive. Consumer advocacy groups criticized the veto, arguing it allows data brokers to exploit consumers' sensitive information, potentially leading to identity theft and stalking. Meanwhile, states like Maryland and Connecticut have established stricter privacy laws, including bans on the sale of precise geolocation data. Virginia has also joined this trend with its own geolocation data sale ban. The legislative landscape is shifting, with California's previous status as a leader in data protection being challenged by other states.