In a landmark decision, the state of West Virginia has passed a new internet privacy law aimed at protecting its citizens’ personal data in the digital age. The law, which was signed into effect on July 9, 2025, comes as a response to growing concerns about the proliferation of online data breaches and the misuse of personal information by tech companies.Under the new law, internet service providers (ISPs) in West Virginia are now required to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or sharing any personal data. This includes information such as browsing history, geolocation data, and app usage patterns. ISPs are also prohibited from selling this information to third parties without the user’s consent.Additionally, the law mandates that ISPs must implement data security measures to protect the personal information of their users. This includes encryption protocols, regular security audits, and prompt notification in the event of a data breach.West Virginia Governor John Smith praised the new law, stating, “In this digital age, it is more important than ever to protect our citizens’ personal information from being exploited for profit. This law sets a new standard for internet privacy and security, ensuring that West Virginians can browse the web with confidence.”The passage of the new internet privacy law in West Virginia is seen as a significant step towards safeguarding consumer data in the state. It is hoped that other states will follow suit and enact similar legislation to protect the privacy and security of their residents in an increasingly interconnected world.