On November 5, 2026, the Electronic Frontier Foundation published a reflection on California's 2026 legislative session, detailing the digital rights wins and losses that shaped the state.
Celebrating Legislative Wins
Governor Newsom signed protections addressing automated decision-making and workplace surveillance, specifically SB 947 and AB 1883. Additional newly enacted laws include SB 747, which permits damages lawsuits against federal officials who violate the U.S. Constitution, and shield laws to protect reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care.
The state also passed education-focused bills like AB 2071 and AB 2298 for digital literacy and cybersecurity instruction, while lawmakers removed browser expansion language from age-gating legislation.
Setbacks and Losses
The Electronic Frontier Foundation highlighted major losses, such as the failure of AB 1337 to update the Information Practices Act for local governments and the passage of AB 1709, which bans social media for youth under 16.
Governor Newsom also signed SB 690, removing the private right of action from the California Invasion of Privacy Act, and vetoed AB 1542, which sought to ban the sale of sensitive personal information.
Key facts and where they come from
- Governor Newsom signed SB 947 and AB 1883 to limit workplace automated decision-making and workplace surveillance.
Governor Newsom signed vital protections on the use of automated decision-making in the workplace and workplace surveillance tools, specifically No Robo Bosses (SB 947) and AB 1883.
- California passed AB 1709, enacting a social media ban for youth under the age of 16.
Another major setback was the passage (and subsequent signing) of a social media ban for youth under the age of 16 (AB 1709).
- Governor Newsom vetoed AB 1542, which would have banned the sale of sensitive personal information.
we are deeply disappointed that Governor Newsom vetoed AB 1542, which would have ensured sensitive personal information stays private by banning its sale outright.
