More Internet Law news More news in Washington Find Internet Law lawyers in Washington
On November 24, 2025, Washington State Governor announced the passing of a new internet privacy law aimed at protecting the personal information of residents online. The law, known as the Online Privacy Protection Act, will require websites and online service providers to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or selling their personal information.Under the new law, websites and online service providers must clearly disclose what information they collect from users and how that information will be used. They must also provide users with the option to opt out of having their data collected or shared with third parties.Governor praised the passage of the law, stating that it was a "critical step towards ensuring that Washington residents have control over their personal information online." He also emphasized the importance of protecting individuals' privacy in an increasingly digital world.The Online Privacy Protection Act will go into effect on January 1, 2026, giving websites and online service providers time to update their privacy policies and procedures to comply with the new regulations. Failure to comply with the law could result in hefty fines and penalties for violators.The new law has received widespread support from privacy advocates and consumer rights groups, who have long been pushing for stronger internet privacy protections. They believe that the Online Privacy Protection Act will help to curb the widespread data collection and tracking practices that have become common on the internet.Overall, the passage of the Online Privacy Protection Act marks a significant milestone in internet privacy legislation in Washington State, and sets a strong precedent for other states to follow suit in protecting the personal information of their residents online.