In a move to protect consumer data privacy, the state of Virginia has passed a comprehensive communications law that will have significant implications for technology companies and service providers operating within the state. The law, which was signed into effect on December 15, 2025, will require companies to obtain explicit consent from consumers before collecting or sharing their personal information.Under the new law, companies will be required to disclose the types of personal data they collect, the purposes for which it is collected, and to whom it is shared. They will also be required to provide consumers with the option to opt out of having their data collected or shared, as well as the ability to access and correct any inaccuracies in their personal information.The law also includes provisions aimed at protecting children's privacy, requiring parental consent for the collection of data from individuals under the age of 18. Additionally, companies will be required to implement reasonable security measures to safeguard consumer data from unauthorized access or disclosure.Virginia's new communications law is seen as a significant step towards enhancing consumer privacy protections in the digital age. With the increasing prevalence of data breaches and privacy violations, many see this move as a necessary safeguard against potential abuses of personal information by companies.The passage of this law comes in the wake of similar legislation in other states, such as California and New York, as well as ongoing discussions at the federal level about the need for comprehensive data privacy regulations. As more states move to enact their own laws, it is expected that companies will be faced with a patchwork of regulations that they will need to navigate in order to remain in compliance.Overall, the new communications law in Virginia represents a major victory for consumer advocates and privacy rights activists who have long pushed for stronger protections against the unchecked collection and use of personal data. It remains to be seen how companies will adapt to these new requirements and what impact it will have on the broader landscape of data privacy regulations in the United States.