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In a groundbreaking move, the California state legislature has passed a new internet privacy law aimed at protecting the personal data of residents from being collected and shared without their consent. The law, which was approved by a vote of 45-15 in the state Senate and 75-25 in the Assembly, is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026.The legislation, known as the California Internet Privacy Protection Act (CIPPA), requires all online companies and websites operating in the state to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or selling their personal information. This includes data such as names, addresses, browsing history, and device identifiers.Under CIPPA, companies are also required to provide users with the option to opt out of having their data sold to third parties. Additionally, businesses must implement reasonable security measures to protect the information they collect and notify users in the event of a data breach.The passing of the law comes in the wake of growing concerns over online privacy and the proliferation of data breaches and cyber attacks. California has long been a leader in internet privacy regulation, with laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act setting a precedent for other states to follow.Supporters of CIPPA argue that the new law will give Californians greater control over their personal information and help prevent unauthorized use of their data. However, opponents, including some tech companies and industry groups, have raised concerns about the potential impact on innovation and economic growth.Despite the pushback, Governor Gavin Newsom has indicated that he plans to sign the bill into law, signaling a major victory for consumer advocates and privacy rights activists. With California once again taking the lead on internet regulation, other states are likely to follow suit in enacting similar measures to protect their residents' online privacy.