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On November 13, 2025, the state of Maine made headlines by passing a groundbreaking internet privacy law aimed at protecting its residents' personal data online. The new legislation, known as the Maine Online Privacy Protection Act (MOPPA), is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, and is being hailed as one of the most comprehensive state-level internet privacy laws in the United States.Under the provisions of MOPPA, all internet service providers (ISPs) operating in Maine will be required to obtain explicit consent from their customers before collecting or selling any personal information. This includes data such as browsing history, search queries, and location information. Additionally, ISPs will be required to provide consumers with the option to opt out of having their data collected or sold.Maine Governor, John Smith, who signed the bill into law, praised the state legislature for taking decisive action to protect the privacy and security of Maine residents. In a statement, Governor Smith declared, "With the passage of MOPPA, we are sending a clear message that the personal data of Maine citizens is not for sale. We must take action to safeguard our privacy rights in the digital age."The passage of MOPPA comes at a time when internet privacy concerns are at an all-time high, with numerous high-profile data breaches and scandals involving the misuse of personal information by tech companies. Supporters of the new law argue that it will help to restore trust and transparency in the online ecosystem, while also empowering consumers to control how their data is used.However, not everyone is happy with the new legislation. Some critics, including industry lobbyists, have raised concerns about the potential impact of the law on business operations and innovation. They argue that strict privacy regulations could stifle technological advancements and hinder economic growth in the state.Despite these criticisms, proponents of MOPPA remain confident that the law will ultimately benefit Maine citizens by providing them with greater control over their online privacy. It is hoped that other states will follow suit and enact similar measures to protect the digital rights of their residents in the face of mounting privacy challenges in the digital age.