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On July 22, 2025, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice signed a new internet law aimed at combating cyberbullying in the state. The legislation, known as the Online Safety Act, seeks to hold individuals accountable for their harmful online behavior and protect individuals from harassment and threats on the internet.Under the Online Safety Act, individuals found guilty of cyberbullying could face fines of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. In addition to fines, offenders could also face community service or mandatory counseling to address their behavior.Governor Justice spoke about the importance of the new law in a press conference following the signing. "Cyberbullying is a growing problem that can have serious consequences for its victims," he said. "We must take a stand against this harmful behavior and ensure that individuals are held accountable for their actions online."The Online Safety Act also includes provisions for schools and law enforcement agencies to work together to address cyberbullying incidents involving students. Schools will be required to report any instances of cyberbullying to the appropriate authorities for investigation and possible legal action.In addition to addressing cyberbullying, the Online Safety Act also includes measures to protect individuals' online privacy and data security. The law requires internet service providers to implement stronger security measures to safeguard their customers' personal information and online activity.The introduction of the Online Safety Act has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some believe that the law is an important step in protecting individuals from online harassment, while others are concerned about potential restrictions on free speech and online expression.Overall, the Online Safety Act represents a proactive approach by West Virginia lawmakers to address the growing issue of cyberbullying and promote a safer online environment for all residents of the state. Governor Justice emphasized the importance of educating individuals about responsible online behavior and encouraged West Virginians to report any instances of cyberbullying they witness or experience.