More Internet Law news More news in Rhode Island Find Internet Law lawyers in Rhode Island
On July 25, 2025, Rhode Island Governor signed into law a new bill aimed at protecting the privacy of internet users in the state. The legislation, known as the Rhode Island Internet Privacy Act, is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, and will require internet service providers (ISPs) to obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting or selling their personal data.Under the new law, ISPs will be prohibited from selling or sharing customers' browsing history, app usage, location data, and other sensitive information without their express consent. The legislation also mandates that ISPs must provide clear and easy-to-understand privacy policies detailing what data is being collected and how it will be used.Governor praised the new law as a much-needed step towards protecting Rhode Island citizens' privacy in the digital age. "In today's world, where so much of our personal information is collected and monetized by tech companies, it is more important than ever to ensure that our privacy rights are protected," said the Governor in a statement.The Rhode Island Internet Privacy Act is the latest in a series of state-level measures aimed at safeguarding consumers' data online. Several other states, including California and Virginia, have already passed similar laws in recent years, signaling a growing trend towards greater internet privacy protections at the state level.Industry groups have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the new law on ISPs, arguing that it could stifle innovation and lead to increased costs for consumers. However, supporters of the legislation believe that it is a necessary safeguard to prevent the misuse of personal data by companies for targeted advertising and other purposes.The Rhode Island Internet Privacy Act has been widely praised by privacy advocates and consumer rights groups, who see it as a positive step towards empowering individuals to control their own online data. With the new law set to take effect next year, Rhode Island residents can rest assured that their internet privacy rights will be better protected in the years to come.