On June 3, 2026, North Carolina Governor Emily Johnson signed into law a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at protecting the privacy of internet users in the state. The new law, known as the Internet Privacy Protection Act, aims to combat the widespread data breaches and privacy violations that have become increasingly common in the digital age.Under the provisions of the Internet Privacy Protection Act, internet service providers (ISPs) in North Carolina are now required to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting, storing, or sharing their personal information. This includes any data related to a user's browsing history, online activities, and communication patterns.Governor Johnson emphasized the importance of the new law in safeguarding the privacy rights of North Carolina residents. She stated, "In today's digital landscape, it is crucial that we take proactive measures to protect the sensitive information of our citizens. The Internet Privacy Protection Act is a crucial step in ensuring that North Carolinians can use the internet without fear of their personal data being compromised."The legislation also includes strict penalties for ISPs that violate the new regulations. Any company found to be in violation of the law could face fines of up to $10,000 per day per violation, as well as potential criminal charges for egregious breaches of user privacy.Privacy advocates and internet rights groups have praised the passage of the Internet Privacy Protection Act as a significant victory for online privacy rights. "This law sets a strong precedent for other states to follow in protecting the privacy of internet users," said Sarah Miller, director of the North Carolina Internet Rights Coalition. "By requiring ISPs to obtain consent before collecting personal data, North Carolina is taking a proactive stance in safeguarding the privacy of its residents."The new law will go into effect immediately, with ISPs required to update their privacy policies and practices to comply with the regulations. Governor Johnson has also announced plans to establish a task force to oversee the implementation of the Internet Privacy Protection Act and monitor compliance among ISPs in the state.Overall, the passage of the Internet Privacy Protection Act represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to protect the online privacy rights of North Carolina residents. With the new law in place, internet users in the state can now rest assured that their personal information is being safeguarded from unauthorized access and exploitation.