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In a landmark decision, the Oregon Legislature has passed a groundbreaking internet privacy law aimed at protecting the personal information of state residents. The new law, which was approved by a wide margin in both the state House and Senate, is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026.Under the provisions of the law, internet service providers (ISPs) operating in Oregon will be required to obtain explicit consent from consumers before collecting or sharing their personal information. This includes data such as browsing history, app usage, and geolocation information. ISPs will also be prohibited from selling this information to third parties without the consumer's consent.The law also includes strict guidelines for how ISPs must handle data breaches. In the event of a breach, ISPs will be required to notify affected consumers within 30 days of discovering the breach. Failure to do so could result in significant fines for the ISP.Additionally, the law prohibits ISPs from engaging in targeted advertising without the consumer's express consent. This means that ISPs will no longer be able to use personal information to serve personalized ads to consumers without their permission.Supporters of the law hope that it will set a new standard for internet privacy protections across the country. Oregon Governor Laura Smith praised the Legislature's decision, calling it a "victory for consumer rights and data privacy."However, not everyone is happy with the new law. Some critics argue that it places unnecessary burdens on ISPs and could stifle innovation in the tech industry. They also warn that the law could lead to increased costs for consumers, as ISPs may pass on the costs of compliance to their customers.Despite these concerns, the Oregon Legislature remains confident that the new law is an important step towards safeguarding the privacy of its residents in an increasingly digital world. Time will tell whether other states will follow Oregon's lead in enacting similar measures to protect consumer privacy online.