California law requires Internet companies to disclose tracking policies

[Commentary] Gov. Jerry Brown (D-CA) signed legislation requiring companies to disclose whether and how they comply with the requests of Internet users that they not be tracked. The law applies only for California Internet users, but nevertheless represents a "small and solid step forward" toward getting a national policy in place after more than two years of steps backward. The fact that Internet companies didn't oppose the California law is a good indication that they aren't much bothered by it. But from the perspective of people concerned about privacy, the public-shaming aspect of the law can't hurt their long-term cause. In the end, it might take the force of the federal government (assuming the federal government is still a thing) to get a standard in place. But there is little indication of a desire in Congress or in regulatory bodies to apply such force -- yet another indication that the tech lobby has come of age.