In a landmark decision, the Texas legislature has passed a new communications law aimed at enhancing privacy and security for residents of the Lone Star State. The law, which was approved by a bipartisan majority on February 21, 2026, reflects a growing concern among lawmakers about the need to protect personal data and sensitive information in an increasingly digital world.One of the key provisions of the new law is the requirement for telecommunications companies to obtain explicit consent from customers before sharing their personal information with third parties. This includes data such as call logs, text messages, and location tracking, which are often used for targeted advertising and other purposes without the knowledge or consent of the individual.Under the new law, telecommunications companies are also required to implement stronger encryption protocols to safeguard the privacy of their customers' communications. This is seen as a crucial step in preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data, especially in light of recent high-profile data breaches that have exposed the personal information of millions of Americans.In addition to privacy protections, the new law also includes measures to enhance cybersecurity and combat the rising threat of cyber attacks. Telecommunications companies will now be required to report any security breaches to state authorities within a specified timeframe, in order to facilitate a prompt and effective response to such incidents.The passage of this new communications law has been welcomed by privacy advocates and consumer rights groups, who have long called for greater protections for individuals' personal data in the digital age. They see this as a positive step towards restoring control over how their information is collected, used, and shared by companies that provide telecommunications services.Overall, the new law represents a significant victory for privacy and security in Texas, and sets a precedent for other states to follow suit in strengthening regulations around communications technology. With the ever-increasing importance of data privacy in the modern world, this legislation is a timely and important step towards ensuring that the rights of individuals are protected in an increasingly connected society.