A bill was introduced in California's statehouse on Monday that would require internet service providers to get consumer's consent before using their personal information — including web browsing history — for targeted advertising, per MediaPost. The bill also bans pay-for-privacy offers, which would let consumers avoid advertising by paying a higher price for service.
Why it matters: California joins 19 other states that have introduced laws to protect broadband consumers' privacy. Seattle recently passed its own law to that effect. The local efforts picked up steam after Congress voted to overturn federal rules requiring ISPs to get consumers' opt-in consent before using or sharing personal information with third-party advertisers. That move sparked a consumer outcry.