In a landmark move, the state of Washington has passed a comprehensive internet privacy law aimed at protecting consumers from data breaches and unauthorized use of their personal information. The law, which was signed by Governor Jay Inslee on Wednesday, is set to go into effect on January 1, 2027.Under the new legislation, companies that collect personal information from Washington residents will be required to provide clear and transparent disclosures about how that information is being used and shared. Additionally, consumers will have the right to opt out of having their data sold to third parties, as well as the ability to request that companies delete their personal information upon request.The law also includes provisions for stronger data security measures, requiring businesses to take reasonable steps to safeguard the personal information they collect. In the event of a data breach, companies will be required to notify affected consumers within a designated timeframe.Washington's Attorney General, Bob Ferguson, praised the new law as a significant step towards safeguarding consumer privacy in an increasingly digital world. "This legislation will give Washington residents greater control over their personal information and hold businesses accountable for how they handle that data," Ferguson stated in a press release.The passage of the internet privacy law in Washington comes at a time of growing concern over data security and privacy issues, particularly in the wake of high-profile data breaches and scandals involving tech giants. Advocates hope that the new legislation will serve as a model for other states looking to strengthen their internet privacy protections.As the law prepares to take effect, businesses operating in Washington are urged to review their data collection and sharing practices to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Failure to comply with the law could result in significant penalties for violators, including fines and potential lawsuits from consumers.Overall, the passage of Washington's comprehensive internet privacy law represents a significant victory for consumer privacy rights and sets a high standard for data protection in the digital age.