On July 1, 2026, a California legislative committee advanced amendments to SB 690 that would eliminate private suits asserting website-based “pen register” claims under the California Invasion of Privacy Act (“CIPA”), leaving enforcement exclusively to the California Attorney General. The amendments come amid a surge of lawsuits and demand letters challenging the use of website technologies under the pen register provision, which the committee described as a “poster child for abusive lawsuits.” According to the committee analysis, “[b]ecause the potential liability can be staggering,” businesses often settle quickly, thereby “encouraging vexatious litigants to continue blasting out demand letters.”
Continue Reading California Legislature Advances Bill Targeting Wave of CIPA Pen Register Lawsuits
Julia Barrero
Julia Barrero is an associate in the firm’s San Francisco office and a member of the Class Action Practice Group. She represents clients in pre-litigation and litigation matters involving data privacy and consumer protection claims, including alleged wiretapping, breach of contract, false advertising, and tort claims. Her experience spans key stages of litigation, including motions to dismiss, discovery, summary judgment, appeals at the D.C. Circuit, and briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court.
In addition, Julia advises clients on environmental marketing issues involving sustainability, recycling, packaging, climate disclosures, and carbon crediting, including compliance with California law and the FTC’s Green Guides. This experience complements her class action practice, particularly in matters involving greenwashing, sustainability claims, and other environmental consumer protection theories.
Before practicing law, Julia spent six years working at startups and technology companies in San Francisco, where she helped launch new products and features.
Julia also maintains an active pro bono practice, including drafting amicus briefs on behalf of coalition groups in complex statutory interpretation matters before the U.S. Supreme Court.