More Internet Law news More news in Wisconsin Find Internet Law lawyers in Wisconsin
On October 10, 2025, Wisconsin Governor John Smith signed into law a groundbreaking internet privacy bill that will provide greater protection for residents' personal information online. The bill, titled the Online Consumer Privacy Act, aims to give Wisconsin residents more control over how their data is collected, stored, and used by online companies.Under the new law, companies operating in Wisconsin will be required to obtain explicit consent from consumers before collecting any personal information. This includes data such as browsing history, location data, and personal preferences. Companies must also provide clear and transparent explanations of how this data will be used and give consumers the option to opt out of any data collection practices.In addition, the Online Consumer Privacy Act includes provisions for greater accountability for companies that fail to adequately protect consumer data. Companies found to be in violation of the law could face penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, as well as potential lawsuits from affected consumers.Governor Smith applauded the passage of the legislation, stating that it is vital to protect the privacy and security of Wisconsin residents in an increasingly digital world. He emphasized the importance of giving individuals the power to control their own personal information and ensuring that companies are held accountable for their data practices.The Online Consumer Privacy Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, giving companies time to adjust their data collection practices to comply with the new regulations. Supporters of the bill believe that it will set a strong precedent for other states to follow in order to better protect consumer privacy in the digital age.Overall, the signing of the Online Consumer Privacy Act represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the privacy and security of Wisconsin residents online. With this new law in place, consumers can feel more confident that their personal information is being handled responsibly and ethically by companies operating in the state.