*There is a sign on Bandwidth and Brew’s door, a piece of paper flapping in the wind. “Black Friday- 50% off all Brew” the sign says in bold letters. Confused, you take the piece of paper off from the door and walk briskly into the cafe towards where Dashboard cleans a glass lazily.

In one swift movement, you present the paper to the Barista who frowns at you.*

Why are you taking signs off my door?

*The two of you exchange pointed looks at each other, and Dashboard’s eyes soften as your question becomes apparent to the barista.*

Ah, yes, it’s legit.

Even though we aren’t a retail store, I always enjoy reasons to celebrate.

So, yes, 50% off all drinks on Black Friday. 

But where are my manners?

Welcome to Bandwidth and Brew: Where we serve your scroll fuel, no matter how you take your brew!

Speaking of Black Friday, I have something that you may find interesting.

Though Black Friday sales used to be limited to the day after Thanksgiving to mark the beginning of holiday shopping, Black Friday sales are now popping up weeks before the holiday itself.

Already, there are worthwhile sales appearing. From Amazon to Ulta to Old Navy, you can find sales that will help you save big on holiday shopping. You can find anything out there, including cozy sweaters, well-priced airtags, computers, and more!

What do you say? Want to sip on some of these deals?

*You glance down at the paper, pondering about your budget and whether or not now is a good time to start holiday shopping. Hesitant to jump into the holidays too quickly, you decline Dashboard’s offer.*

Hmmm, will you ever accept my first proposition, I wonder?

No matter.

*Dashboard grabs the paper from the counter, and turns and grabs a bright, orange mug. The barista begins to prepare the espresso machine.*

Speaking of sales, did you know that products aren’t the only thing being sold in today’s world?

In today’s world of technology, the consumer themselves have become the product. In other words, your information is constantly being gathered and sold to companies who aim to target you with specific ads.

Creepy, right?

To scroll through the internet and worry about your data being sold is something that- like it or not- is happening to all of us. It seems like a breach of privacy, doesn’t it?

The state of California has seen the gathering of data through web browsers as just that. Assembly Bill 566- signed by Gavin Newsom- is a new law that requires all web browsers to include an “opt-out” option that denies websites to gather and sell a user’s data. 

Though the bill only impacts California, many of the bill’s supporters believe that the law will impact the whole country. The reason is because, though the process for web browsers to include this “opt-out” option is fairly simple, it would be hard for companies that own a web browser to isolate the “opt-out” option to just include California residents. So, many theorize that the bill will create the “opt-out” option for the whole country. 

The bill seems to work to honor people’s privacy. Though the general population may be excited about having the option to “opt-out” of all websites gathering and selling their information, companies like Google have fought against the bill.

What do you think? Are you excited about the possibility of having more privacy? Or do you figure that, either way, your information belongs to the world-wide web?

The world feels like a Black Mirror episode sometimes, doesn’t it?

*Dashboard is focused on the mug, drawing something out in the foam with a metal rod. When the barista hands it to you, your expectations for the foam-art drift away as a big “50% Off” sign stares at you from your drink. You are unsure whether to laugh or frown.*

Here you go: I know you like your telecommunications news piping hot!