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In a landmark decision, the state of Minnesota has passed the Internet Privacy Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at protecting the online data of its citizens. The bill, which was signed into law by Governor Jennifer Thompson on September 30, 2025, comes as a response to growing concerns over internet privacy and the rampant collection of personal data by tech companies.Under the new law, internet service providers (ISPs) in Minnesota are now required to obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting, using, or sharing their browsing history, app usage, and other sensitive information. This means that ISPs must now obtain opt-in consent from customers before selling or sharing their data with third parties, a significant departure from the previous practice of requiring customers to opt out of data collection.Governor Thompson hailed the passage of the Internet Privacy Act as a major victory for consumer rights in the digital age. In a statement released after signing the bill, she said, "With the Internet Privacy Act, Minnesota is taking a bold stand to protect the privacy and security of our citizens online. This legislation ensures that Minnesotans have control over their own data and can trust that their personal information is being handled responsibly."The new law also includes provisions for stronger data security measures, requiring ISPs to implement safeguards to protect customer data from breaches and unauthorized access. Additionally, the Internet Privacy Act empowers the state attorney general to enforce the law and take legal action against ISPs found to be in violation.Privacy advocates and consumer rights groups have praised the passage of the Internet Privacy Act as a significant step towards protecting online privacy. Anna Smith, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Digital Rights Coalition, said, "This law is a crucial step in the right direction towards ensuring that Minnesotans have control over their own data and can trust that their privacy is being respected online."With the passage of the Internet Privacy Act, Minnesota joins a growing number of states that have taken action to protect internet privacy in the face of increasing concerns over data breaches and online surveillance. The law is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, giving ISPs time to implement the necessary changes to comply with the new regulations.