In an effort to strengthen online privacy protections for its residents, the state of Nebraska has passed a new internet law that will regulate how companies collect and use personal data. The law, which was approved by Governor Jane Smith on June 3, 2026, comes in response to growing concerns about data breaches and online privacy violations.Under the new law, internet companies operating in Nebraska will be required to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or sharing their personal information. This includes sensitive data such as social security numbers, financial information, and health records. Companies must also provide users with the ability to opt out of data collection and sharing practices.Additionally, the law mandates that companies must securely store and protect user data to prevent unauthorized access or breaches. Any data breaches must be reported to the Nebraska Attorney General's Office within a specified timeframe, and affected individuals must be notified promptly.In a statement, Governor Smith emphasized the importance of protecting Nebraskans' online privacy in the digital age. She stated, "Our citizens deserve to have control over their personal information and to know that it is being handled responsibly by companies operating in our state. This new law will set a standard for internet privacy protection and hold companies accountable for how they handle user data."The passage of the internet privacy law in Nebraska has been met with approval from consumer advocacy groups and privacy advocates, who have long called for stronger regulations to protect individuals' online data. The law is set to go into effect on January 1, 2027, giving companies time to adjust their data collection and sharing practices to comply with the new regulations.Overall, the new internet privacy law in Nebraska represents a significant step towards safeguarding the personal information of residents and ensuring that their online activities are protected from potential data misuse or exploitation.