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On July 18, 2025, Wisconsin Governor James Thompson signed a new internet law aimed at addressing online privacy concerns and protecting the personal information of citizens. The law, known as the Internet Privacy Protection Act, is the first of its kind in the state and has garnered praise from consumer advocacy groups and privacy experts.One of the key provisions of the Internet Privacy Protection Act is the requirement for internet service providers (ISPs) to obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting or sharing their personal information. This includes sensitive data such as browsing history, app usage, and geolocation data. ISPs are also required to clearly disclose how they collect and use this information, as well as provide customers with the option to opt out of data collection altogether.Additionally, the law establishes strict guidelines for data security measures that ISPs must implement to safeguard the personal information of their customers. This includes encryption protocols, firewalls, and regular security audits to ensure that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access or data breaches.Governor Thompson praised the new law as a necessary step in protecting the privacy rights of Wisconsin residents in the digital age. He stated, "As more and more of our daily lives move online, it is essential that we have robust protections in place to safeguard our personal information. The Internet Privacy Protection Act will give Wisconsinites greater control over their data and provide peace of mind knowing that their privacy is being taken seriously."The passage of the Internet Privacy Protection Act comes at a time when concerns over data privacy and online security are at an all-time high. With the proliferation of data breaches and the widespread collection and sharing of personal information by tech companies, many states are taking action to strengthen privacy laws and protect consumers.Wisconsin now joins a growing number of states that have implemented comprehensive internet privacy regulations, signaling a shift towards greater transparency and accountability in the digital ecosystem. The Internet Privacy Protection Act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, giving ISPs ample time to comply with the new requirements and ensure that the personal information of Wisconsin residents is safeguarded.