More Internet Law news More news in Wisconsin Find Internet Law lawyers in Wisconsin
In a landmark move, the Wisconsin Legislature has passed a new internet privacy law aimed at protecting the personal data of its citizens. The bill, officially known as the Online Privacy Protection Act, was signed into law by Governor Rebecca Young on August 2, 2025.The law requires internet service providers (ISPs) in Wisconsin to obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting or using their personal information. This includes data such as browsing history, location information, and app usage. ISPs are also required to disclose how they collect and use this information, as well as provide individuals with the option to opt out of such data collection.Additionally, the Online Privacy Protection Act mandates that ISPs implement reasonable security measures to protect the personal data of Wisconsin residents from unauthorized access or disclosure. Any violation of these provisions could result in significant fines for ISPs, as well as potential legal action from affected individuals.Governor Young praised the passage of the bill, stating that "the protection of our citizens' personal information is crucial in this digital age. This new law will provide much-needed safeguards for Wisconsin residents while also promoting transparency and accountability among ISPs."The Online Privacy Protection Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, giving ISPs in Wisconsin time to comply with the new requirements. The law has received widespread support from privacy advocates and consumer rights groups, who see it as a step in the right direction towards ensuring the online privacy of individuals in the state.Overall, the passage of the Online Privacy Protection Act marks a significant development in internet law in Wisconsin, with the state taking proactive measures to protect the personal data of its citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.