On February 23, 2026, the Indiana Legislature introduced a new media law that aims to protect the privacy rights of individuals in the state. The proposed law, known as the Indiana Privacy Protection Act, seeks to regulate the use of personal information by media organizations and other entities engaged in the dissemination of news and information.Under the Indiana Privacy Protection Act, media organizations would be required to obtain consent from individuals before collecting or publishing their personal information. This includes sensitive data such as medical records, financial information, and information related to a person's sexual orientation or political beliefs. The law also prohibits the dissemination of personal information without the express consent of the individual involved.In addition, the Indiana Privacy Protection Act includes provisions aimed at preventing the spread of false or misleading information. Media organizations would be held accountable for the accuracy of the information they publish, and could face fines or other penalties for disseminating false information that causes harm to individuals or the public.The proposed law has sparked a heated debate among media organizations and privacy advocates in Indiana. Proponents of the Indiana Privacy Protection Act argue that it is necessary to safeguard the privacy rights of individuals in an age of widespread digital surveillance and data collection. They believe that the law will help prevent the misuse of personal information by media organizations and other entities.Opponents of the Indiana Privacy Protection Act, however, argue that it could have a chilling effect on freedom of the press and hinder the ability of media organizations to report on matters of public interest. They warn that the law could be used to suppress investigative journalism and stifle dissenting voices in the media.The Indiana Legislature is expected to continue debating the proposed law in the coming weeks, with a vote on the bill expected to take place in the near future. If passed, the Indiana Privacy Protection Act would represent a significant shift in media law in the state, and could have far-reaching implications for the way that media organizations operate in Indiana.