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TV gossip site FTV Live blocked for California readers; owner blames new privacy laws

A gossip website that aggregates tips and reports from across the local television industry is being blocked for readers in California.

In a note posted on Twitter, Scott Jones, the editor and primary writer behind insider website FTV Live — a kind of TMZ for local TV news — said California’s new consumer privacy law were preventing readers in California from connecting with his website.

On January 1, the California Consumer Privacy Act took effect, requiring businesses — including websites — to disclose and delete data collected on a consumer when they request it.

Jones said he was not sure why his website was down for California readers, though his website uses a number of advertisement services, some of which may not be in compliance with the state’s new privacy law. The editor said he had “people trying to” figure out how to fix the issue.

The Desk, which is based in California, was initially blocked from viewing the website but was eventually able to access it by using an online proxy service.

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About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is the award-winning founder and editor of TheDesk.net, an authoritative voice on broadcast and streaming TV, media and tech. With over ten years of experience, he's a recognized expert in broadcast, streaming, and digital media, with work featured in publications such as StreamTV Insider and Digital Content Next, and past roles at Thomson Reuters and Disney-ABC Television Group.