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On July 3, 2025, Minnesota Governor Mark Johnson signed into law a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at protecting the privacy and security of residents' online communications. The new law, known as the Minnesota Communications Privacy Act, sets strict guidelines for how internet service providers (ISPs) can collect, use, and share customer data.Under the provisions of the law, ISPs are required to obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting any personal information, including browsing history, location data, and app usage. Additionally, ISPs must provide customers with the option to opt out of data collection and sharing, as well as the ability to request that their information be deleted from the provider's servers.In a statement released after signing the bill, Governor Johnson emphasized the importance of safeguarding individuals' online privacy in an increasingly digital world. "In today's interconnected society, it is more important than ever that we take proactive steps to protect our personal information from being exploited for profit or malicious intent," he said.The Minnesota Communications Privacy Act also includes provisions for enhancing cybersecurity measures to prevent data breaches and other cyber threats. ISPs are now required to implement strong encryption protocols and security measures to safeguard customer data from unauthorized access.The law has received widespread support from privacy advocates, consumer rights groups, and tech companies alike. Rachel Smith, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Digital Rights Alliance, praised the legislation as a significant step towards promoting online privacy and security for all Minnesotans."This new law sends a strong message to ISPs that the privacy and security of their customers' data must be prioritized above all else," Smith said. "We applaud Governor Johnson and the state legislature for their leadership in enacting these important protections."The Minnesota Communications Privacy Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, giving ISPs ample time to adjust their practices and procedures to comply with the new regulations. The law represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer privacy rights in the digital age and serves as a model for other states to follow in protecting their residents' online communications.