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In a landmark decision, the Maine Legislature has passed a new internet privacy law aimed at protecting the personal information of state residents. The bill, known as the Maine Online Privacy Act, was approved by a bipartisan majority on Thursday and is set to go into effect on January 1, 2027.The legislation comes in response to growing concerns about data breaches and the unauthorized collection of personal information by internet companies. Under the new law, internet service providers and online platforms will be required to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or selling their data. This includes information such as browsing history, search queries, and location data.Additionally, the Maine Online Privacy Act mandates that companies notify users in the event of a data breach within 30 days of its discovery. Failure to do so could result in significant fines and penalties for the offending party. The law also gives Maine residents the right to access and delete any personal information that has been collected about them.Supporters of the bill say that it represents a major step forward in safeguarding individuals' privacy rights in the digital age. State Senator Lisa Johnson, a co-sponsor of the legislation, stated that "Maine residents deserve to have control over their own data and to know that their personal information is being handled responsibly."However, not everyone is pleased with the new law. Some industry groups have raised concerns about the potential impact on business operations and argue that the regulations could create a barrier to innovation. Despite these objections, the Maine Legislature ultimately decided to move forward with the bill in order to prioritize consumer protection.Governor Sarah Richardson has signaled her support for the Maine Online Privacy Act and is expected to sign it into law in the coming weeks. Once enacted, Maine will join a growing number of states that have implemented stringent internet privacy regulations to address the challenges posed by the digital economy.Overall, the passage of the Maine Online Privacy Act marks a significant victory for advocates of privacy rights and underscores the state's commitment to ensuring that residents' personal information is treated with the utmost care and respect in the online sphere.