California ‘Made in California’ website faces backlash over demographic filters

The new ‘Made in California’ website, an initiative announced by Governor Gavin Newsom, is facing criticism over its demographic search filters. While the platform allows users to filter for goods from businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals, it lacks similar designations for businesses owned by white men.

Critics, including activist Christopher Rufo, have highlighted the omission, leading to online backlash regarding identity politics and potential discrimination. Although the absence of these specific labels does not bar white or male business owners from participating in the initiative, the lack of inclusive filtering has prompted calls for legal scrutiny and accusations of erasure.