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On May 13, 2026, Ohio Governor John Smith signed into law a groundbreaking internet privacy bill aimed at protecting the personal information of Ohio residents online. The law, known as the Ohio Online Privacy Protection Act (OOPPA), sets strict guidelines for how companies can collect, use, and share consumer data in the state.Under the OOPPA, companies operating in Ohio are required to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting any personal information, such as browsing history, location data, or contact information. Additionally, companies must provide users with the option to opt out of data collection and must delete any collected data upon request.Governor Smith hailed the new law as a crucial step towards safeguarding Ohio residents' online privacy rights. In a statement, he said, "In today's digital age, our personal data is constantly being harvested and exploited by companies for profit. The Ohio Online Privacy Protection Act puts an end to this invasive practice and ensures that Ohioans have control over their personal information."The OOPPA also includes provisions for enforcing the law and penalizing companies that violate it. Companies found to be in breach of the law can face fines of up to $10,000 per violation, as well as additional penalties for repeat offenses.Privacy advocates and consumer rights groups have praised the passage of the OOPPA, calling it a significant victory for online privacy rights. Sarah Johnson, a spokesperson for the Ohio Consumer Protection League, stated, "This law sets a new standard for internet privacy protections in the United States. Ohio is leading the way in ensuring that individuals have control over their own data and are not subject to unwanted surveillance."The OOPPA is set to go into effect on January 1, 2027, giving companies operating in Ohio time to comply with the new requirements. Ohio joins a growing number of states enacting comprehensive internet privacy laws in response to growing concerns about data privacy and security in the digital age.