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In a landmark decision, South Carolina legislators have passed a new internet privacy law aimed at protecting residents' personal data from online threats. The bill, which was approved by a majority vote in the state Senate on Tuesday, comes as a response to the increasing concerns over privacy breaches and data exploitation in the digital age.The new law, known as the South Carolina Online Privacy Protection Act (SCOOPA), requires internet service providers to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or selling their personal information. This includes data such as browsing history, search queries, and location data. Additionally, the law prohibits ISPs from discriminating against users who choose not to share their data, ensuring that all residents have equal access to online services.State Senator John Smith, who co-sponsored the bill, emphasized the importance of safeguarding individuals' privacy rights in the digital realm. "In an age where our personal information is constantly being collected and monetized without our knowledge, it is crucial that we take proactive steps to protect our constituents from potential harm," said Smith. "SCOOPA represents a major milestone in our efforts to ensure that South Carolinians' data is kept safe and secure online."The passing of the bill was met with widespread support from both lawmakers and privacy advocates. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a leading digital rights organization, commended South Carolina for taking a proactive stance on internet privacy. "By enacting SCOOPA, South Carolina is setting a new standard for protecting residents' online data in the face of growing threats to our digital privacy," said EFF spokesperson Sarah Johnson.The law is set to go into effect on July 1st, giving ISPs a six-month grace period to implement the necessary changes to comply with the new regulations. Failure to do so may result in hefty fines and penalties for non-compliance.As South Carolina becomes one of the first states to enact comprehensive internet privacy legislation, experts anticipate that other states will soon follow suit in an effort to protect their residents' personal data online.SCOOPA, and the legislation serves as a model for other states looking to enhance internet privacy protections for their citizens.