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In a landmark move to protect consumers' online data and privacy, the state of Maryland has passed a series of new internet laws that are set to go into effect on August 29, 2025. The legislation, known as the Maryland Internet Privacy Act, aims to give residents more control over their personal information and how it is collected and used by online companies.Under the new laws, internet service providers and websites operating in Maryland will be required to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting and selling their personal data. This includes information such as browsing history, location data, and search queries. Companies will also be required to clearly disclose how they collect and use this data, as well as giving users the option to opt out of data collection entirely.Additionally, the Maryland Internet Privacy Act includes provisions to hold companies accountable for data breaches and unauthorized access to personal information. Companies found to be in violation of the new laws could face fines of up to $10,000 per violation, with additional penalties for repeat offenders.Maryland Governor Samantha Thompson praised the new legislation, stating that it puts the privacy and security of Maryland residents first. "In this digital age, it is more important than ever to protect our personal information from being exploited by online companies," Governor Thompson said. "These new internet privacy laws will give Maryland residents the peace of mind that their data is being handled responsibly and ethically."The passage of the Maryland Internet Privacy Act comes in the wake of increasing concerns over online privacy and data protection. With the rise of data breaches and the sale of personal information to third parties, consumers are becoming more vigilant about how their data is being used online. The new laws in Maryland aim to address these concerns and give consumers more control over their personal information.As the laws go into effect on August 29, internet companies operating in Maryland will have to quickly adapt to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Failure to do so could result in costly fines and damage to their reputation. However, for Maryland residents, the new internet privacy laws represent a significant step towards greater control and transparency over their online data.