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In a move aimed at safeguarding online privacy for its residents, South Dakota has introduced a new internet law that places strict regulations on internet service providers and tech companies operating within the state. The law, which was passed on September 7, 2025, is set to come into effect on January 1, 2026, and has already sparked debate among industry stakeholders and privacy advocates.Under the new law, internet service providers in South Dakota will be required to obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting or sharing their personal data. This includes browsing history, app usage, and geolocation data. Additionally, ISPs will be prohibited from selling this information to third parties without the customer's consent.Tech companies operating in South Dakota will also be subject to new regulations under the law. These companies will be required to provide clear and easily accessible privacy policies to users, detailing how their data is being collected, stored, and used. Users will also have the right to request their data be deleted or corrected if it is inaccurate.South Dakota Governor, Sarah Johnson, who championed the new law, stated that it is crucial for individuals to have control over their personal information in the digital age. "With the prevalence of online services and the vast amount of data being collected on individuals, it is essential that we take steps to protect our residents' privacy," she said in a statement.Industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the potential impact of the new law on their operations. Some argue that the regulations may stifle innovation and hinder the ability of companies to provide personalized experiences to users. Others have expressed worries about the cost of compliance and the potential for legal challenges.Privacy advocates, however, have praised South Dakota for taking a proactive approach to protecting online privacy. They see the new law as a step in the right direction towards empowering individuals to have more control over their personal data and holding companies accountable for how they handle that information.As the January 1, 2026, deadline approaches, internet service providers and tech companies operating in South Dakota will need to ensure they are in compliance with the new regulations. Failure to do so could result in hefty fines and penalties for non-compliance.Overall, the introduction of the new internet law in South Dakota signals a growing awareness of the importance of protecting online privacy and sets a precedent for other states to follow suit in implementing similar measures.