In a landmark move for online privacy rights, Tennessee lawmakers have passed a new internet law aimed at protecting the personal information of state residents. The legislation, which was approved on February 12, 2026, is set to impose strict regulations on internet service providers and tech companies operating in Tennessee.The new law, known as the Tennessee Online Privacy Protection Act (TOPPA), will require internet service providers to obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting or selling their personal information. This includes data such as browsing history, app usage, and geolocation data. Additionally, TOPPA will give residents the right to opt out of having their data shared with third parties.State Senator Amanda Johnson, a key proponent of the legislation, stated that TOPPA is essential in the digital age to protect individuals' privacy rights. "In today's interconnected world, our personal information is constantly being collected and sold without our knowledge. TOPPA seeks to put an end to this unauthorized invasion of privacy and give Tennesseans control over their own data," she said.The passing of TOPPA has been met with praise from privacy advocates and consumer rights groups, who have long been calling for stronger regulations to protect individuals' online privacy. The law is expected to set a precedent for other states to follow suit and enact similar measures to safeguard citizens' personal information.However, not everyone is in favor of TOPPA. Some tech companies and internet service providers have raised concerns about the potential impact of the law on their operations. They argue that the regulations could stifle innovation and hinder their ability to provide personalized services to customers.Despite the opposition, Governor Sarah Smith signed TOPPA into law, emphasizing the importance of protecting Tennesseans' privacy rights in the digital age. "With the increasing amount of personal data being collected online, it is crucial that we take action to ensure that individuals have control over their own information. TOPPA is a significant step towards achieving this goal," she stated.With the passing of the Tennessee Online Privacy Protection Act, Tennessee has taken a significant step towards strengthening online privacy rights for its residents. The law is expected to go into effect later this year, marking a new era of protection for individuals' personal information in the state.