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On March 5, 2026, Wisconsin Governor announced the passing of a new internet privacy law aimed at protecting the personal information of state residents online. The law, known as the Wisconsin Internet Privacy and Protection Act, is set to take effect on July 1st of this year.Under the new law, internet service providers (ISPs) operating in Wisconsin will be required to obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting or selling their personal data. This includes information such as browsing history, app usage, and location data. ISPs will also be required to inform customers of the types of data being collected and provide them with the option to opt out of data collection altogether.In addition to these consumer protections, the Wisconsin Internet Privacy and Protection Act also includes provisions for data security. ISPs will be required to implement reasonable security measures to protect against data breaches and unauthorized access to customer information. Any violations of the law could result in significant fines for ISPs, with penalties increasing for repeated offenses.Governor praised the new law, stating that it is crucial to safeguarding the privacy and security of Wisconsin residents in an increasingly digital age. He emphasized the importance of giving consumers greater control over their personal information and holding ISPs accountable for how they handle that data.However, not everyone is pleased with the new law. Some ISPs have voiced concerns about the potential impact on their business operations and the costs associated with compliance. Nevertheless, many consumer advocacy groups and privacy advocates have hailed the legislation as a significant step forward in protecting online privacy rights.Overall, the Wisconsin Internet Privacy and Protection Act represents a major milestone in the state's efforts to regulate the use of personal data on the internet. With its emphasis on transparency, consent, and security, the law is poised to set a new standard for internet privacy laws nationwide.