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In a landmark move, the Tennessee state legislature has passed a new communications law aimed at protecting the online privacy of its residents. The law, which was approved by a majority vote on Tuesday, November 23, 2025, represents a significant step towards safeguarding individuals' personal information in the digital realm.Under the new legislation, internet service providers (ISPs) in Tennessee will be required to obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting, using, or sharing their sensitive personal data. This includes information such as browsing history, search queries, and geolocation data. Additionally, ISPs will be prohibited from selling this information to third parties without the consent of the consumer.The new law also places restrictions on the use of targeted advertising based on individuals' online activities. Advertisers will now be required to disclose how they are collecting and using consumer data for ad targeting purposes, and consumers will have the option to opt out of such practices.Furthermore, the legislation mandates that ISPs must implement robust data security measures to protect customer information from unauthorized access or disclosure. Any breaches of data security must be promptly reported to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, as well as affected customers.State lawmakers hailed the passage of the new communications law as a victory for consumer privacy rights in the digital age. Senator Rebecca Parker, who sponsored the bill, stated, "This legislation represents a crucial step towards ensuring that Tennesseans have control over their personal data online. With the proliferation of digital technology, it is essential that we take proactive measures to protect our constituents from potential privacy violations."The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance will be tasked with enforcing the new communications law, with penalties for non-compliance ranging from fines to license revocation for ISPs found to be in violation.The passage of this legislation signifies Tennessee's commitment to upholding the privacy rights of its residents in an increasingly interconnected and data-driven world. It is hoped that other states will follow suit in enacting similar measures to protect consumer privacy and data security in the digital age.