In a landmark decision, the state of South Carolina has passed a new internet law aimed at protecting the online privacy of its residents. The law, which was announced on June 6, 2026, comes as a response to growing concerns over data security and cyber threats in the digital age.Under the new law, internet service providers in South Carolina are now required to obtain explicit consent from their customers before collecting or sharing any personal information. This includes data such as browsing history, search queries, and location information. Additionally, ISPs are also prohibited from selling this information to third parties without the customer's consent.The bill, known as the Online Privacy Protection Act, has been hailed as a significant step in safeguarding the rights of internet users in the state. State lawmakers hope that by enacting these new regulations, they will be able to create a more secure and transparent online environment for South Carolinians.In a statement released after the passing of the law, Governor Laura Simmons expressed her support for the measure, stating that "the protection of online privacy is paramount in this digital age, and the Online Privacy Protection Act is a crucial step in ensuring that South Carolina residents can browse the internet with peace of mind."The new law has garnered praise from privacy advocates and consumer rights groups, who have long been calling for greater protections for online data. They see this as a positive development towards granting greater control to individuals over how their personal information is used and shared online.However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential impact of the law on businesses, particularly smaller ISPs who may struggle to comply with the new requirements. They argue that the regulations could lead to increased costs for these companies, which may ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for internet services.Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment surrounding the passage of the Online Privacy Protection Act in South Carolina remains positive. With this new law in place, residents can now feel more confident that their online activities are being protected and that their personal information is not being exploited without their consent.