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In a landmark decision, the state of Virginia has passed a new internet privacy law aimed at protecting residents' online data from being shared or sold without their consent. The law, which was approved by the Virginia State Legislature on March 9, 2026, is set to go into effect on January 1, 2027, making Virginia one of the first states in the country to enact such comprehensive internet privacy legislation.Under the new law, companies operating in Virginia will be required to obtain permission from residents before collecting or sharing their personal data, including browsing history, search queries, and other online activities. The law also mandates that companies must clearly explain how they use residents' data and provide them with the option to opt out of having their information shared with third parties.In addition, the law requires that companies implement strict security measures to safeguard residents' data from cyber threats and data breaches. Failure to comply with the new regulations could result in hefty fines and penalties for companies found to be in violation of the law.The passage of the internet privacy law in Virginia comes at a time when concerns over online privacy and data security are at an all-time high. With the proliferation of data breaches and incidents of data misuse by tech companies, many states have been working to enact legislation to protect their residents' online privacy rights.Virginia Governor, Emily Thompson, praised the new law as a significant step towards ensuring that residents have control over their personal information in the digital age. "Our online data is valuable and should be treated with the utmost care and respect. With this new law, we are sending a clear message that residents' privacy rights will not be compromised for the sake of profit," Governor Thompson said in a statement.The passage of the internet privacy law in Virginia has been met with widespread support from privacy advocates and consumer rights groups who have long been pushing for stronger data protection laws at the state level. The law is expected to serve as a model for other states looking to enhance their residents' online privacy rights in the future.