On July 9, 2025, Missouri Governor Sam Page signed into law a new internet privacy bill that aims to protect the personal data of Missouri residents online. The bill, known as the Missouri Online Consumer Protection Act (MOCPA), is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026.Under the MOCPA, internet service providers in the state will be required to obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting, using, or disclosing their personal information. This includes data such as browsing history, location information, and app usage. Providers will also be prohibited from selling this information to third parties without consent.In addition, the MOCPA mandates that internet companies must implement reasonable security measures to protect the personal data of their customers from data breaches and cyber attacks. Any breaches must be reported to both the affected individuals and the Missouri Attorney General's office within a specified timeframe.The new law has garnered support from consumer advocacy groups and privacy advocates who have long been pushing for stricter regulations on how companies handle personal data online. Governor Page emphasized the importance of protecting Missourians' privacy in the digital age, stating that "our online activities should not come at the expense of our personal information."However, not everyone is pleased with the new law. Some internet service providers have expressed concerns about the potential impact on their businesses, citing increased compliance costs and potential loss of revenue from selling customer data.Despite these concerns, the MOCPA represents a landmark step towards strengthening internet privacy protections in Missouri. With the increasing prevalence of data breaches and online privacy violations, the new law aims to give consumers more control over their personal information and hold companies accountable for how they handle it.As other states grapple with similar issues surrounding internet privacy, Missouri's new law serves as a model for potential legislation in other parts of the country. It sets a precedent for prioritizing consumer privacy rights in the digital age and may pave the way for more comprehensive privacy laws in the future.