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On December 12, 2025, the Oregon Legislature passed a landmark internet privacy law aimed at protecting consumers' personal information online. The new law, known as the Online Consumer Protection Act, will require internet service providers and online platforms to obtain explicit consent from consumers before collecting or sharing their personal data.Under the legislation, companies will be required to clearly disclose what information they are collecting, how it will be used, and with whom it will be shared. Consumers must also be given the option to opt-out of having their data collected or shared. Additionally, the law prohibits companies from selling consumers' personal information without their consent.Oregon Governor Sarah Jones, who has been a vocal advocate for internet privacy rights, praised the passage of the bill, stating, "In an age where our personal information is constantly being collected and sold to the highest bidder, it is crucial that we take proactive steps to protect consumers' privacy. The Online Consumer Protection Act will give Oregonians more control over their personal data and ensure that their information is handled responsibly."The legislation was met with strong support from consumer advocacy groups and privacy rights organizations, who have long been pushing for stronger internet privacy protections. "This law is a major victory for consumers in Oregon and sets a precedent for other states to follow suit," said John Smith, the executive director of the Oregon Consumer Rights Alliance. "With the growing influence of big tech companies and concerns about data breaches, it is more important than ever to safeguard our personal information online."However, some industry groups have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the new law on businesses. The Oregon Chamber of Commerce issued a statement saying that while they support the goal of protecting consumers' privacy, they are worried that the regulations could stifle innovation and harm the state's economy.The Online Consumer Protection Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, giving companies a grace period to comply with the new requirements. Violations of the law could result in penalties ranging from fines to legal action.Overall, the passage of the Online Consumer Protection Act represents a significant step forward in safeguarding consumers' personal information in the digital age. Oregon is now at the forefront of internet privacy legislation, and other states may look to follow suit in the coming years.