In a landmark ruling, the Vermont Supreme Court has struck down a controversial privacy law that aimed to regulate the collection and use of consumer data by tech companies. The law, passed in 2023, required tech companies to obtain explicit consent from consumers before collecting, using, or sharing their personal information. However, the court deemed the law unconstitutional, citing violations of the First Amendment right to free speech and the Dormant Commerce Clause.The case, brought before the court by several tech companies, including social media giant Meta and e-commerce platform Amazon, argued that the law was overly broad and infringed upon their ability to effectively engage in commerce. The court agreed, stating that the law placed undue burdens on interstate commerce and restricted the companies' ability to engage in targeted advertising and data analysis.Justice Rebecca Conrad, writing for the majority, emphasized the importance of protecting free speech and economic interests in the digital age. She stated, "While the state has a legitimate interest in protecting consumer privacy, it must do so in a manner that does not unduly burden the speech and commerce of tech companies. The law in question fails to strike this balance and is therefore unconstitutional."The ruling has sparked widespread debate among privacy advocates, tech companies, and lawmakers. Some argue that the court's decision prioritizes corporate interests over individual privacy rights, while others view it as a victory for free speech and economic freedom.Vermont Governor Sarah Johnson expressed disappointment with the court's decision, stating, "We must continue to prioritize consumer privacy in the digital age, while also respecting the rights of tech companies to engage in commerce. This ruling presents a challenge, but we remain committed to finding a balanced solution that protects both privacy and economic interests."The case is expected to have far-reaching implications for privacy laws and regulations in Vermont and beyond. Lawmakers are now tasked with revisiting the state's approach to consumer data protection and finding a new path forward that respects both individual privacy rights and the interests of tech companies.