Technology

Report Shows How Loophole in Privacy Law Makes Opting Out of Facebook Data Sharing Difficult; Global Opt Out Law Needed, Consumer Watchdog Says

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2024

LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A new report from Consumer Watchdog shows how thousands of companies share your data with Facebook, including financial companies and health care providers, and how a loophole in California’s premier privacy law makes opting out difficult and time consuming.

The report details how the big three web browsers do not offer a global opt out signal to make companies halt the sale and sharing of personal information easy, but pending legislation in California will make the global opt out signal mandatory.

“In order to exercise your rights and tell a business to stop sharing or selling your data, you need to have the time and sanity to visit thousands of websites,” said Justin Kloczko, tech and privacy advocate for Consumer Watchdog. “This is an access issue, and we need better tools. The legislature must pass Assembly Bill 3048 (Lowenthal) and the governor should sign it.”

Read the report, “No Opt Out,” here.

Watch a consumer alert on the issue here.

The same tech companies that collect lots of data also own the most popular web browsers—Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge—but they don’t let us tell all businesses our privacy choices because it’s not in their financial interest to do so, said the nonprofit advocacy group.

Although businesses must accept a global opt out under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), most browsers don’t offer such a signal unless a plug-in is installed. Even then, not all browsers accept it.

Using Facebook as an example, Kloczko tried to take control of his data, but discovered how time-consuming and confusing opting out can be. He learned Facebook knows about over 2,500 companies that he’s visited online, including his credit card company and health insurer, since opening his account nearly 20 years ago. The list also contains major data brokers like Experian and Live Ramp that he didn’t interact with directly.

“Data brokers keep a low profile but traffic in our most personal details. They know what we eat, watch, read, and purchase,” said Kloczko.

And despite deactivating his Facebook account for a year, meaning his account was not visible to other accounts, the sharing between Facebook and companies Kloczko visited continued, said the nonprofit. According to the data, Facebook and advertisers still knew about 671 businesses Kloczko interacted with online, including his health insurer, credit card company, and bank.

“If I want to put a stop to this data sharing, I must navigate a confusing, seemingly endless labyrinth of privacy options obscured in legalese,” said Kloczko. “It’s a tedious undertaking that fatigues people from exercising their options.”

Separately, it’s not even clear that Facebook is complying with the CCPA because even though Facebook says it does not share or sell your data, advertisers still pay for access to it.

Recent polling says that while most Californians are concerned about the sharing and selling of personal information, they lack understanding of their privacy rights.

The good news is there is pending state legislation to strengthen rights, as well as laws being implemented right now that will make exercising privacy rights easier for Californians, said the nonprofit.

If passed and signed by the governor, AB 3048 will make California the first state in the country to allow users to opt out in one step by requiring browsers to offer a global opt-out preference signal that opts out of the sale/sharing of personal information and its use for targeted advertising.

And in 2026, Californians will be able to tell data brokers, who collect data from other parties, to delete all personal information in one step, thanks to an amendment to the CCPA called the Delete Act, or Senate Bill 362 (Becker). Currently under the law, data brokers are required to enter a state registry and disclose if they collect information on geolocation, minors, and health data.

The average person using the Internet spends almost seven hours a day in front of a screen. That’s roughly 17 years spent checking the Internet. We check our phones on average of 144 times a day. This generates a lot of data. People are surveilled as they book doctor appointments, shop for food, and dial suicide hotlines. Our every search, scroll and tap is monetized as part of a personal data industry that is worth billions of dollars. Each person has about 3,000 data points. And based on that data algorithms and artificial intelligence are deciding jobs, health care, finances, down to the very way we receive information.

“There has never been a greater need for a universal opt-out,” said Kloczko. “By casting a privacy net over businesses, Californians will be better equipped to protect their personal information and fight discrimination.”

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SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

Technology

Haloid Solutions Expands Access to Radio Equipment by Offering Flexible Financing and Leasing Solutions Named HaloidFLEX

Published

1 hour ago

April 18, 2026

NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As part of Haloid Solutions’ long-term commitment to helping businesses and municipalities acquire critical communications equipment despite budgetary constraints, Haloid now offers specialized financing and leasing programs through its HaloidFLEX program.

Designed to ensure that companies and governments have the equipment they need without costly capital expenditures outlays, HaloidFLEX offers financing for equipment purchased directly from manufacturers or local radio dealers. HaloidFLEX financing offers zero percent and low-interest options as well as predictable monthly payments for qualified buyers. HaloidFLEX clients can even opt to incorporate extended support services and protections into their financing to prepare for accidents, theft, or equipment losses. This gives companies peace of mind with one low monthly payment.

For organizations that don’t want or need to own equipment long-term, the HaloidFLEX leasing program offers similar benefits with potential tax advantages. Companies can lease brand new equipment and upgrade or return it at lease-end as needed. For companies seeking flexible options – or those that are interested in upgrading to the latest technology as it becomes available – leasing makes perfect sense.

One of the added benefits of each program is that HaloidFLEX allows clients to bundle services and protections that would normally be billed separately. Accidental damage, theft, and loss protections can be put in place, so that there’s never a lapse in communication if a radio fails. Extended warranties are also available upon request, so companies can customize their financing and protection to fit their budget and safeguard their equipment simultaneously.

According to a Haloid Solutions spokesperson, “Bundling expenses simply makes sense. It reduces the need for multiple policies and flexes with organizations to ensure critical communication equipment is available when needed while guaranteeing that the company’s investment is protected for the life of the equipment.”

HaloidFLEX financing and leasing programs are available to qualified businesses and municipalities nationwide. To learn more or request a customized quote, visit HaloidSolutions.com.

About Haloid Solutions

Haloid Solutions is the go-to resource for U.S. businesses and municipalities in search of financing and leasing for two-way radios, walkie talkies, communications equipment, accessories, and services. Focused on reliability, affordability, and performance, Haloid strives to equip professionals in all communication-based industries with the resources they need most.

For more information about Haloid Solutions, or details about the HaloidFLEX financing or leasing programs, please visit https://haloidsolutions.com/collections/lmr-radio-financing-and-leasing-and-subscription-low-cost-payment-options-for-2-way-radio-equipment or contact us on our website.

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SOURCE HALOID SOLUTIONS

Technology

CAS Holdings Appoints Patrick McDermott as Chief Executive Officer

Published

2 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Leadership Transition Positions CAS Holdings for Continued Growth and Customer-Focused Innovation

FRANKLIN, Mass., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CAS Holdings, a leader in industrial automation distribution, engineering, and integration, is pleased to announce that Patrick McDermott has been named Chief Executive Officer.

McDermott previously served as President and Chief Revenue Officer, where he played a key role in driving growth across the organization, strengthening customer relationships, and leading teams with a clear focus on execution and results.

In his new role as CEO, McDermott will lead CAS Holdings into its next phase of growth, building on the company’s strong foundation and continued commitment to delivering value to customers, partners, and employees.

“I’m honored to step into the role of CEO at CAS Holdings,” said McDermott. “Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team, support our customers, and help drive the growth of our organization. I’m excited to build on that momentum as we move into our next chapter.”

CAS Holdings, through its divisions including iAutomation and RND Automation, delivers a full spectrum of industrial automation solutions – from product distribution and technical support to custom machine building and system integration. Serving OEM machine builders and end-users, the company brings deep expertise in motion control, robotics, and vision, along with value-added capabilities such as kitting, sub-assembly, panel building, and turnkey automation systems, acting as an extension of its customers’ engineering and production teams.

McDermott’s leadership will focus on advancing CAS Holdings’ strategic initiatives, strengthening its market position, and continuing to deliver innovative automation solutions that support customers across a wide range of industries.

“We have a strong foundation, a talented team, and a clear direction. I’m looking forward to what we’ll accomplish together,” McDermott said. “Our focus remains on supporting our customers with responsive, local expertise, strong supplier partnerships, and the engineering and production capabilities they rely on to keep their operations running and growing.”

About Complete Automation Solutions Holdings

Complete Automation Solutions Holdings (CAS Holdings) is dedicated to empowering industrial automation companies, including those in the packaging industry, to achieve optimal efficiency and success. With a diverse portfolio encompassing industrial distribution, panel building and assembly, system integration, and robotics, CAS Holdings provides comprehensive packaging machines and solutions tailored to meet industry needs. The company prioritizes strong partnerships, expert engineering, and innovative solutions, ensuring sustainable practices and continuous improvement. CAS Holdings envisions a future where its transformative automation solutions redefine industry standards and drive growth. Committed to transparency and collaboration, CAS Holdings aims to be the most trusted partner in the automation sector.

Press Contact:

Erika Jacques
508-838-8012
http://www.iautomation.com/

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SOURCE CAS Holdings, Inc.

Technology

Vipboss Marks Earth Day with Renewed Commitment to Green Energy Solutions

Published

3 hours ago

April 18, 2026

NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Earth Day draws global attention to environmental responsibility, Vipboss, a specialist manufacturer and developer of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs for energy storage and mobility applications, is underscoring its long‑term commitment to sustainable energy practices through its Environmental Advocacy. This advocacy is devoid of ornate language; its inspiration stems from the brand’s unwavering conviction in LiFePO4 batteries as a green energy solution. To align this message with practical action, the brand is also running a themed sales campaign on its official website during April 18th to 30th. It highlights how practical product solutions, rather than abstract concepts, can support cleaner energy use in everyday life.

Across the world, energy consumption patterns are undergoing rapid change. Households, outdoor users, and light‑mobility sectors are increasingly seeking energy systems that are safe, sustainable, and low‑emission. Within this shift, LiFePO4 batteries have emerged as a preferred technology for clean‑energy applications. Their long service life, high safety profile, and absence of cobalt, which is an element associated with higher environmental and ethical risks, position them as a responsible choice in the global transition toward greener power.

LiFePO4 technology forms the foundation of Vipboss’s approach to sustainable energy. Its extended cycle life reduces the frequency of battery replacement, lowering resource consumption and easing the environmental burden associated with disposal. The material’s inherent stability also minimizes the risk of thermal runaway, offering a safer experience in homes, recreational vehicles, and public environments. In practical use cases such as home backup systems, RV travel, and golf‑course operations, LiFePO4 batteries deliver efficient storage and stable output, helping reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel‑based energy sources and supporting lower‑carbon lifestyles.

Vipboss’s environmental advocacy extends beyond the technical advantages of its products. The brand promotes responsible energy use as an integral part of sustainable living, emphasizing that product design and informed application must work together to achieve meaningful environmental outcomes. As a provider of energy solutions for home, travel, and leisure scenarios, Vipboss continues to participate in the long‑term process of green transformation through ongoing technological refinement and product evolution.

Earth Day serves as a reminder that lasting environmental impact is built through small, consistent actions. Looking ahead, Vipboss will continue advancing safer, more durable, and more efficient energy products that support individuals and families in adopting more sustainable energy habits. Through these efforts, the brand aims to contribute enduring value to the wider adoption of clean energy and the collective pursuit of a more sustainable future.

About Vipboss

Vipboss is a specialist in the lithium battery industry, focusing on the research, production, and manufacturing of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs. The company is committed to advancing battery technology with an emphasis on reliable performance, safety, and extended service life. Its mission is to deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy solutions that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

For more information, please visit: https://vipbosspower.com/.

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SOURCE Vipboss