On July 9, 2025, the state of Tennessee made a significant move to enhance online privacy and protect its citizens' personal information by passing a new internet law. The law, which was approved by the Tennessee Legislature with overwhelming support, aims to regulate how personal data is collected, stored, and used by companies operating in the state.One of the key provisions of the new law is the requirement for companies to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting and sharing their personal information. This includes data such as names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and browsing history. Companies will also be required to provide users with clear information on how their data will be used and the option to opt out of data collection practices.In addition to strengthening user consent requirements, the law also includes measures to enhance cybersecurity practices among businesses. Companies will be mandated to implement industry-standard encryption and data protection measures to safeguard users' personal information from unauthorized access and data breaches.Furthermore, the law introduces penalties for companies that fail to comply with the new regulations. Violators may face fines and other sanctions imposed by the Tennessee Attorney General's office. This is seen as a crucial step towards holding businesses accountable for their handling of sensitive user data and deterring them from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices.The passing of this new internet privacy law has been met with widespread praise from consumer advocacy groups and privacy experts. They laud Tennessee for taking proactive steps to protect its residents' digital rights and ensure that their personal information remains secure in an increasingly digital world.Overall, the new internet law in Tennessee represents a significant win for online privacy and data protection in the state, setting a precedent for other states to follow suit in safeguarding their citizens' personal information in the digital age.