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In a groundbreaking move, the Minnesota state government has passed a new internet privacy law aimed at safeguarding its citizens' personal information online. The law, which was approved by the state legislature on September 9, 2025, comes in response to growing concerns over data breaches and the misuse of personal data by online platforms and companies.The new law, known as the Minnesota Internet Privacy Act, establishes strict guidelines for how internet service providers (ISPs) and online platforms collect, store, and share users' data. Under the law, ISPs are required to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or sharing their personal information, such as browsing history, location data, and app usage.In addition, the law prohibits ISPs from selling or sharing users' data with third parties without their consent. It also requires ISPs to implement robust security measures to protect users' data from hackers and other cyber threats.Minnesota Governor Sarah Johnson praised the passage of the law, stating that it marks a significant step towards safeguarding the privacy and security of Minnesota residents in the digital age. "With the rise of data breaches and online privacy violations, it is more important than ever to ensure that Minnesotans' personal information is protected online," Governor Johnson said in a statement.The Minnesota Internet Privacy Act has been met with mixed reactions from industry groups and privacy advocates. While some internet companies have raised concerns about the potential impact of the law on their businesses, privacy advocates have hailed it as a much-needed measure to protect consumers' privacy rights.The law is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, giving ISPs and online platforms ample time to adjust their data practices to comply with the new regulations. Violations of the law will be subject to stiff penalties, including fines and potential legal action.Overall, the passage of the Minnesota Internet Privacy Act represents a significant victory for internet privacy advocates and a major step forward in protecting consumers' personal information online. As other states grapple with similar privacy concerns, Minnesota's leadership in passing such a law could set a precedent for other states to follow suit in the years to come.