California privacy bill could pre-empt ballot measure

The sign outside of Facebook's headquarters
Facebook's California headquarters. Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

Legislators in California will try to pass an online consumer privacy law to get ahead of a ballot measure that would allow the electorate to vote directly on the issue.

The bigger picture: Major internet companies have opposed the ballot measure. The bill includes more business-friendly language, reports the Los Angeles Times, and could help digital ad-based giants like Facebook and Google avoid a rebuke of their business model come Election Day.

Why now? The composition of the state’s November ballot is being finalized next week. The backers of the initiative say they will pull it if the bill passes.

What the bill would do: Lets consumers ask companies what data has been gathered about them and "opt out of the sale of personal information by a business."

Yes, but, per the Los Angeles Times: The agreement still has to be finalized and signed by California governor Jerry Brown before the initiative backers will withdraw it.