On December 13, 2025, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed a new internet law aimed at protecting minors from harmful online content. The law, known as the Youth Online Safety Act, imposes restrictions on internet access for individuals under the age of 18 in the state.Under the new law, internet service providers in Wisconsin are required to implement age verification measures for all users accessing adult content online. Minors will be blocked from accessing websites that contain explicit material or content deemed inappropriate for their age group.In addition to restricting access to certain websites, the Youth Online Safety Act also mandates that social media platforms and online gaming sites must enforce stricter age verification processes for their users. This includes requiring users to provide proof of age, such as a government-issued ID, when creating an account.Governor Evers emphasized the importance of protecting minors from the dangers of the internet in a statement following the signing of the bill. "With the prevalence of harmful online content, it is crucial for us to take action to safeguard our children and ensure their online safety," he said.Supporters of the law argue that it is a necessary step to combat cyberbullying, online predators, and exposure to explicit material that can harm children's mental and emotional well-being. However, critics of the legislation argue that it infringes on freedom of speech and could lead to privacy concerns for individuals of all ages.The Youth Online Safety Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, with internet service providers and online platforms given a grace period to comply with the new regulations. Violators of the law may face fines and other penalties for non-compliance.Wisconsin joins a growing number of states implementing stricter internet regulations in an effort to protect minors from online dangers. It remains to be seen how the new law will be enforced and whether it will effectively achieve its intended goals of promoting a safer online environment for young people in the state.