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On December 6, 2025, the Ohio State Legislature passed a groundbreaking new communications law that aims to protect consumer privacy in the digital age. The law, known as the Consumer Data Privacy Act, includes provisions that give consumers more control over how their personal information is collected and used by companies.One of the key provisions of the law is the requirement for companies to obtain explicit consent from consumers before collecting or sharing their personal data. This includes information such as browsing history, location data, and purchase history. Companies will also be required to provide consumers with the option to opt out of having their data collected or shared.In addition to these new consent requirements, the law also includes provisions aimed at increasing transparency around data collection practices. Companies will be required to provide clear and easily accessible information to consumers about what data is being collected, how it is being used, and to whom it is being shared. This information must be provided in plain language that is easy for consumers to understand.The Consumer Data Privacy Act also includes strict penalties for companies that violate the law. Violations can result in fines of up to $10,000 per violation, as well as potential lawsuits from impacted consumers. Companies will be required to appoint a designated privacy officer to oversee compliance with the law and handle consumer inquiries about data collection practices.The passage of this law has been hailed as a major victory for consumer privacy advocates in Ohio. State Representative Sarah Jackson, who sponsored the bill, stated, "In an age where our personal information is constantly being collected and shared without our consent, it is crucial that we take steps to protect consumer privacy. The Consumer Data Privacy Act does just that, by giving consumers more control over their own data and holding companies accountable for how they use it."The law is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, giving companies time to come into compliance with the new requirements. It is expected to have far-reaching implications for how companies in Ohio collect and use consumer data, and could serve as a model for other states looking to strengthen their own data privacy laws.