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On March 1, 2026, Maryland Governor Jane Smith signed into law a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at protecting the privacy of internet users in the state. The new law, known as the Maryland Internet Privacy Act, is one of the most comprehensive internet privacy laws in the country and has been hailed as a major victory for consumer rights advocates.Under the Maryland Internet Privacy Act, internet service providers and online platforms are now required to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or sharing their personal data. This includes information such as browsing history, search queries, and online purchases. Providers are also required to clearly disclose how they collect and use this data, and users have the right to access and delete their personal information at any time.In addition to these new consumer protections, the Maryland Internet Privacy Act also includes measures to prevent online tracking and targeting of vulnerable populations, such as children and low-income individuals. Internet companies are now prohibited from serving targeted ads to these groups without their consent, and are required to implement safeguards to protect their data from exploitation.Governor Smith, who has long been an advocate for internet privacy rights, praised the passage of the law as a crucial step towards ensuring that Maryland residents have control over their own digital identities. "In an age where personal data is constantly being harvested and exploited for profit, it is vital that we take proactive measures to protect the privacy and security of our citizens," she said in a statement.The Maryland Internet Privacy Act comes at a time of increasing concern over the ways in which technology companies collect and use personal data. Recent high-profile data breaches and scandals have drawn attention to the need for stronger privacy laws at both the state and federal levels.Consumer rights advocates and privacy experts have lauded Maryland's new law as a model for other states to follow. They hope that the Maryland Internet Privacy Act will set a precedent for comprehensive internet privacy legislation nationwide and inspire other states to take similar steps to protect the digital rights of their residents.