Letter to Google

We, the undersigned, urge Google to provide users with privacy and install Global Privacy Control (GPC) in the Chrome browser. 

It has been over 2100 days since the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) was enacted. Consumers who use the Chrome browser should not have to wait any longer for more privacy and more control over their data.

Global Privacy Control (GPC) is a sanctioned privacy-protection option under CCPA. Under CCPA §1798.185(a)(19), the California Attorney General outlines requirements for GPC: 

“For businesses that collect personal information from consumers online, one acceptable method for consumers to opt-out of sales is via a user-enabled global privacy control, like GPC. Developed in response to the CCPA and to enhance consumer privacy rights, the GPC is a ‘stop selling my data switch’...some consumers want a comprehensive option that broadly signals their opt-out request, as opposed to making requests on multiple websites on different browsers or devices. Opting out of the sale of personal information should be easy for consumers, and the GPC is one option for consumers who want to submit requests to opt-out of the sale of personal information via a user-enabled global privacy control. Under law, it must be honored by covered businesses as a valid consumer request to stop the sale of personal information.”*

The lack of a Global Privacy Control in the Chrome browser leaves consumers to have to opt-out of the sale of their information at every website - one by one and over and over again.

Consumers want privacy, security and control over their data. According to a 2019 Pew Research Center Survey, 79% of adults assert they are very or somewhat concerned about how companies are using the data they collect about them.

Google's Privacy Sandbox effort to “clean up” ad targeting API's to continue to enable ad targeting is an attempt to improve existing problems. Moreover, it does not honor the wishes of Internet users who do not want to be tracked or profiled for personalized advertising at all. That is a choice that consumers have the right to make and which Internet companies like Google need to accommodate.

We understand that it may not be easy, but we encourage you to do the right thing and reduce the burden on users of your browser to repeat their preferences at every website they visit. 

Google, install GPC on the Chrome browser, because privacy can’t wait. Chrome privacy now!

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

*California Attorney General CCPA https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa.