More Media Law news More news in Pennsylvania Find Media Law lawyers in Pennsylvania
On July 12, 2025, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Smith signed into law a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at protecting the privacy of its citizens in the digital age. The new media law, known as the Online Data Protection Act, restricts the collection and use of personal data by online platforms and mandates greater transparency in how this information is gathered and utilized.Under the Online Data Protection Act, online platforms operating in Pennsylvania are now required to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting any personal information, such as browsing history, search queries, and location data. Additionally, these platforms must disclose in clear and concise terms how this data will be used and provide users with the option to opt out of data collection altogether.The law also prohibits online platforms from selling or sharing personal data with third parties without the consent of the user. Violations of these provisions can result in hefty fines and other penalties for offending companies, with repeat offenders facing the possibility of having their operating licenses revoked.Governor Smith, who has long been an advocate for consumer privacy rights, hailed the passage of the Online Data Protection Act as a major victory for the residents of Pennsylvania. In a statement released after signing the bill, Governor Smith said, "In this digital age, our personal information is more vulnerable than ever before. This law sets a new standard for data protection in Pennsylvania and ensures that our citizens have the right to control how their information is used online."The Online Data Protection Act is expected to have far-reaching implications for online platforms operating in Pennsylvania, many of which relied heavily on data collection for targeted advertising and other purposes. Companies are now scrambling to update their data collection practices to comply with the new law, which is set to go into effect in six months.Privacy advocates and consumer rights groups have praised Pennsylvania's new media law as a significant step towards restoring trust and confidence in online platforms. They hope that other states will follow suit and enact similar legislation to protect the privacy of all Americans in an increasingly digital world.