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On July 18, 2025, Rhode Island Governor John Smith signed into law a series of measures aimed at enhancing internet privacy and protecting the personal data of state residents. The new legislation, known as the Rhode Island Internet Privacy Act, comes in response to growing concerns over data breaches and the misuse of personal information by tech companies.Under the new law, internet service providers in Rhode Island are now required to obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting or sharing their personal data. This includes information such as browsing history, search queries, and location data. ISPs are also prohibited from selling this data to third parties without the customer's consent.Furthermore, the Rhode Island Internet Privacy Act mandates that ISPs must implement robust security measures to safeguard the personal data of their customers. They are required to promptly notify customers in the event of a data breach and take all necessary measures to mitigate any potential harm.Governor Smith emphasized the importance of these new regulations in a statement following the signing of the bill. He stated, "In an increasingly digital world, it is vital that we take steps to protect the privacy and security of our citizens' personal information. The Rhode Island Internet Privacy Act is a critical step towards ensuring that individuals have control over their own data and can trust that it is being handled responsibly."The Rhode Island Internet Privacy Act has received widespread support from consumer advocacy groups and privacy advocates. Many believe that these measures will help to curb the rampant data collection practices of tech companies and provide greater transparency and control to consumers.However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential impact of the new law on business competitiveness and innovation. They argue that stricter regulations could hinder the ability of ISPs to monetize data and provide targeted advertising services.Despite these criticisms, Governor Smith remains confident in the positive impact of the Rhode Island Internet Privacy Act. He believes that these measures will ultimately benefit both consumers and businesses by fostering greater trust and accountability in the digital ecosystem.The Rhode Island Internet Privacy Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, giving ISPs and tech companies ample time to prepare for compliance with the new regulations. As other states consider similar measures to protect internet privacy, Rhode Island has positioned itself as a leader in ensuring the security and integrity of personal data in the digital age.