California State Senator Josh Becker

California’s Delete Act

Championed by State Senator Josh Becker

The DELETE Act will give consumers

unprecedented digital privacy rights.

The DELETE Act strengthens consumers’ data privacy by:

  • Charging the California Privacy Protection Agency with creating a simple system for consumers to submit a single removal request to all data brokers.

  • Consumers can request that data brokers stop selling or sharing their information permanently.

  • Requiring data brokers to undergo independent audits every three years, starting in 2028. 

  • Empowering the California Privacy Protection Agency to issue civil penalties and administrative fines, up to $200 per day per individual, if data brokers fail to comply with deletion requirements. 

Why Data Privacy Matters

Numerous companies collect, analyze, and sell consumers’ data. Data brokers are companies that traffic in consumer data without having a direct relationship with the consumer. 

In the 21st century, digital data privacy is fundamental to actualizing an individual right to privacy. This privacy is critical for many Californians who might find themselves subject to discrimination based on information traded by data brokers. 

Josh Becker, Privacy Rights Champion

Before the Delete Act became law, the California Consumer Privacy Act sought to provide consumers digital privacy rights. However, these protections are inadequate. This is because:

  • It was perfectly legal for unknown, third party data brokers to purchase all of your personal online information and sell it to the highest bidder.

  • If you wanted to delete your data, you needed to contact over 500 data broker companies and request that they delete your data. There is no way to be sure if data brokers have complied with your request or if they will stop collecting your data in the future. 

The California Delete Act was written by State Senator Josh Becker. This legislation was introduced by Sen. Becker on Feb 8th, 2023, passed with bipartisan support and super majorities, and was signed into law by the Governor on October 10th.

The Delete Act strengthens consumers’ data privacy by:

  • Charging the California Privacy Protection Agency with creating a simple system for consumers to submit a single removal request to all data brokers. Data brokers must process requests every 45 days.

  • Requiring that data brokers register with the California Privacy Protection Agency. 

  • Requiring data brokers to undergo independent audits every three years, starting in 2028. 

  • Empowering the California Privacy Protection Agency to issue civil penalties and administrative fines, up to $200 per day per individual, if data brokers fail to comply with deletion requirements. 

  • Becker has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between technology and governance, bringing a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and legislative acumen to the forefront.

    Becker’s journey into the political arena is rooted in his deep ties to Silicon Valley. Working amidst the rapid evolution of the tech landscape, he developed an early appreciation for the transformative power of innovation. His educational background at Stanford University further solidified his understanding of the intricate workings of the technology sector, laying the foundation for his subsequent contributions.

    Before entering politics, Becker enjoyed a successful career in the tech industry, where he played pivotal roles in several startups. This firsthand experience provided him with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the ever-evolving tech landscape. Armed with this knowledge, he transitioned to public service, driven by a commitment to ensuring that the legislative landscape kept pace with the breakneck speed of technological advancement.

    Josh has long been a champion in pushing businesses to create social good. After losing his father to brain cancer, Josh helped start a biotech company researching cancer cures. Uniting entrepreneurial expertise with his passion for social change, Josh co-founded New Cycle Capital, a pioneer in building socially responsible businesses.

    In 2011, Josh joined Lex Machina, which has a mission of bringing openness and transparency to the law. As CEO, he grew the company from a Stanford University public interest project into a nationally recognized platform. Most recently he founded a legal tech accelerator to support entrepreneurs who want to innovate in our legal and public policy system.

    Josh earned a JD/MBA from Stanford University in 1999. While a student, Josh cofounded the Stanford Board Fellows program, which trains students to serve on the boards of local nonprofits, engaging them in social progress at the beginning of their careers, rather than the end.

    In the California State Senate, Becker has been a staunch advocate for Silicon Valley, championing policies that foster innovation and economic growth. He has tirelessly worked to create a conducive environment for tech companies to thrive, recognizing their role as the economic engines of the region and beyond.

    One of Senator Becker's notable contributions lies in his legislative efforts regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and consumer protection. Recognizing the potential risks associated with the rapid adoption of AI technologies, Becker has been a driving force behind legislation aimed at safeguarding consumers. His bills have sought to strike a delicate balance, promoting innovation while implementing safeguards to protect against ethical concerns and potential misuse of AI.

    Becker's commitment to consumer protection extends beyond the realm of AI. He has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital rights. Through collaborative efforts with industry leaders, advocacy groups, and fellow legislators, Becker has crafted comprehensive policies that prioritize the well-being and rights of the individuals navigating the digital landscape.

    In addition to his legislative accomplishments, Senator Becker is actively involved in fostering dialogue between the tech industry and government. He understands the importance of collaboration to address the challenges of the digital age effectively. Becker's vision for Silicon Valley transcends partisan lines, emphasizing the need for a united approach to harness the benefits of technology while mitigating its potential risks.

    As Silicon Valley continues to shape the future of technology, Senator Josh Becker stands as a dedicated advocate, ensuring that the region's interests are well-represented in the hallowed halls of the California State Senate. His legacy is one of innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to the principles that define both Silicon Valley and the state he serves.

Josh's Privacy Tips:

The top things consumers need to do to protect themselves while shopping online include:

  • Don’t get hooked on phishing. Email scams have gotten incredibly sophisticated. They look like they’re coming from your bank, but they aren’t. People can also call you pretending to be your bank. If you sense something suspicious, call your financial institution before you do anything or provide any personal information.

  • If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you see an offer that says “like our page, and we will send you a free gift, it’s almost always a con.

  • When it comes to websites like Google, limit ad personalization and cookies you share about yourself online. Limiting cookies might be a little annoying, but it can help prevent you from having companies track you and sending you unwanted ads.

  • Develop a security plan with your family. If your kids click on something, it could compromise your whole network. You need to decide as a family what areas you want to protect and how you will protect them. Don’t be lazy with passwords. Don’t use birthdays or easy-to-guess passwords, and use two factor authentication.

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