Gavin Newsom says "a categorical ban on sharing that information is a step too far" in vetoing AB 1542
Gavin NewsomGovernor of California
In his veto message, Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote that, while he supports the author's goal of protecting Californians' sensitive personal information, a categorical ban on sharing that information is a step too far.
“a categorical ban on sharing that information is a step too far”
Official statement
Reporting
Where this statement fits
Should Gavin Newsom have blocked companies from selling Californians' sensitive personal data?
Gavin Newsom vetoed AB 1542 on September 27, 2026. The bill would have restricted covered businesses' sale and sharing of sensitive personal information. Newsom said the prohibition went too far and raised concerns about consumer choice and enforcement costs. Author Chris Ward and privacy advocates condemned the veto, arguing that existing protections leave consumers exposed. The dispute concerns Newsom's decision on the bill.
Source and context
Official statement
About this source
Newsom's signed message explains his reasons for vetoing the sensitive-data bill.
Reporting
About this source
Quotes Newsom's veto message and the Association of National Advertisers' response.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Newsom's veto message of September 27, 2026 says he is returning Assembly Bill 1542 without his signature.
After the quotation
Newsom added that he worries there may be unintended consequences if consumers are removed entirely from the decision process, and that implementation and enforcement would carry significant costs not included in the 2026 Budget Act.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The reference point is Newsom's decision to veto AB 1542, the bill that would have barred businesses from selling or sharing sensitive personal information. Newsom explains that a categorical ban on sharing is a step too far, which supports the veto as the right call, so we labeled it Defended or excused. The closest competing label is Mixed or conditional, because he also says he supports the bill's goal; he still declines to sign it, so it loses.
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More from this case
Read the full caseAssociation of National Advertisers' Chris Oswald welcomes Newsom's veto of the bill
Association of National Advertisers
“overly broad and ill-conceived approach to consumer data.”Read statement
Consumer Reports' Matt Schwartz expresses disappointment in Newsom's veto of AB 1542
Consumer Reports
“We are disappointed in the Governor’s decision to allow businesses to continue to sell consumers’ sensitive personal information”Read statement
Assemblymember Chris Ward says he is "deeply disappointed" by Newsom's veto of AB 1542
“I am deeply disappointed by the Governor’s decision to veto AB 1542”Read statement
Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Gavin Newsom says "a categorical ban on sharing that information is a step too far" in vetoing AB 1542
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/events/5465-in-his-veto-message-gov-gavin-newsom-wrote
Last updated marks the most recent saved version of this published statement.
The Dispute Index. "Gavin Newsom says "a categorical ban on sharing that information is a step too far" in vetoing AB 1542". First published: 2026-10-11. Last updated: 2026-10-11. https://disputeindex.com/events/5465-in-his-veto-message-gov-gavin-newsom-wrote