Brand managers gird for Calif. privacy act, Blizzard backtracks after criticism, and women-led organizations earn more

Good morning, PR pros:

The California Consumer Privacy Act will take effect Jan. 1—and brand managers are scrambling to deal with the upcoming restrictions.

The law will require an “opt out” button on each page of your website that enables consumers to tell your organization if they do not want their data to be collected and sold, and will also enable consumers to opt out of your organization’s terms of service without penalties.

The new standards might affect more than just consumers in California, as more states have established or are enacting similar laws. Communicators will have to become more savvy about data collection in light of privacy concerns and restrictions to provide consumers with valuable content and offerings.

What do you think about the upcoming changes? Share your thoughts with us under the hashtag #MorningScoop.

Here are today’s top stories:

The gaming company gave back professional gamer Ng “Blitzchung” Wai Chung’s prize winnings and reduced his yearlong ban to a six-month suspension following intense backlash from its community. However, Blizzard denied that the criticism was the factor in changing its decision.

Variety reported: