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In a landmark move aimed at protecting consumer data and privacy rights, North Carolina lawmakers have passed a new internet privacy law on February 25, 2026. The law, known as the Online Consumer Protection Act, will require internet service providers and online platforms to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or selling their personal information.Under the new law, companies will be prohibited from sharing or selling personal data, such as browsing history, search queries, and location information, without obtaining opt-in consent from users. Additionally, businesses will be required to provide users with clear and transparent information about the types of data collected and how it will be used."This law represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the privacy rights of North Carolina residents in the digital age," said Governor Jane Smith. "By giving consumers more control over their personal information, we are empowering them to make informed decisions about how their data is being used and shared online."The Online Consumer Protection Act also includes provisions for increased cybersecurity measures to protect consumer data from cyberattacks and data breaches. Companies will be required to implement reasonable security practices and notify users in the event of a data breach that exposes their personal information.The passage of the new law has been widely praised by privacy advocates and consumer rights groups, who have long called for stronger privacy protections in the age of widespread internet use and data collection."We applaud North Carolina for taking a proactive stance on internet privacy and putting the interests of consumers first," said Sarah Johnson, spokesperson for the North Carolina Consumer Rights Alliance. "This law will help restore trust and confidence in the online ecosystem, knowing that personal data is being handled responsibly and ethically."The Online Consumer Protection Act is set to go into effect on July 1, 2026, giving businesses and internet service providers time to adjust their policies and practices to comply with the new regulations. Violators of the law could face financial penalties and other consequences for non-compliance.As North Carolina becomes a leader in internet privacy regulation, other states are likely to follow suit in enacting similar laws to protect consumer data and privacy rights in the digital age.