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On July 25, 2025, the state of Hawaii made an important stride in protecting its residents' online privacy by passing a new internet law aimed at safeguarding personal data. The legislation, known as the Hawaii Internet Privacy Act, was signed into law by Governor Emily Wong after receiving overwhelming support from both the state legislature and advocacy groups.The Hawaii Internet Privacy Act is designed to address growing concerns about data privacy and security in an increasingly digital world. Under the new law, internet service providers (ISPs) in Hawaii are now required to obtain express consent from consumers before collecting, using, or sharing their personal information. This includes data such as browsing history, location information, and device identifiers.Furthermore, the Hawaii Internet Privacy Act prohibits ISPs from selling or sharing their customers' personal data with third parties without consent. The law also mandates that ISPs take necessary precautions to protect the security of the data they collect and to notify customers in the event of a data breach.Governor Wong hailed the passage of the Hawaii Internet Privacy Act as a significant win for consumer protection in the state. In a statement, she emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal data in the digital age and praised the legislature for taking decisive action to address this critical issue.Advocates for internet privacy and consumer rights also lauded the new law, citing it as a major step forward in ensuring that individuals have control over their own data. The Hawaii chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) released a statement in support of the legislation, calling it a "vital safeguard against invasive data collection practices."The Hawaii Internet Privacy Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026. ISPs operating in the state will be required to comply with the new regulations or face potential penalties for violations. Residents of Hawaii can now rest assured that their personal data is better protected online, thanks to this landmark legislation.