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On January 31, 2026, Indiana Governor John Smith signed into law a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at protecting the online privacy of the state's residents. The new internet privacy law, known as the Indiana Online Privacy Protection Act (IOPPA), will require internet service providers and online platforms to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting, storing, or sharing their personal data.The IOPPA specifically prohibits ISPs and online platforms from selling or sharing users' personal information without their consent. This includes data such as browsing history, location information, and other sensitive details that could potentially be used to identify individuals. Violators of the law could face hefty fines and penalties, as well as potential legal action from affected users.Governor Smith emphasized the importance of safeguarding citizens' online privacy in the digital age. "As more and more of our daily lives move online, it is critical that we take proactive steps to protect the personal information of our residents," he stated during the signing ceremony. "The Indiana Online Privacy Protection Act is a major step forward in ensuring that our citizens have control over their own data and can trust that it will be handled in a responsible manner."The move has been hailed by privacy advocates and consumer rights groups, who have long called for stronger protections against online data harvesting and surveillance. "This law represents a significant win for the people of Indiana, who deserve to have control over their own privacy online," said Amanda Johnson, spokesperson for the Indiana Privacy Rights Coalition. "We applaud Governor Smith and the state legislature for taking this important step to safeguard our digital rights."The Indiana Online Privacy Protection Act is set to go into effect on July 1, 2026. Businesses and organizations that fall under the purview of the law will have until that date to come into compliance with its requirements. It is expected that the new legislation will set a precedent for other states to follow in enacting similar measures to protect their residents' online privacy.