On February 20, 2026, Wisconsin Governor Sarah Thompson signed into law a groundbreaking internet privacy bill aimed at safeguarding the personal data of residents from unauthorized access and misuse. The new legislation, known as the Wisconsin Internet Privacy Protection Act, imposes strict regulations on internet service providers (ISPs) and online platforms operating within the state.Under the provisions of the new law, ISPs are now required to obtain explicit consent from consumers before collecting or sharing their personal information, such as browsing history, app usage, and location data. Additionally, ISPs are prohibited from selling or disclosing this information to third parties without the express permission of the consumer.In a statement released by Governor Thompson, she emphasized the importance of protecting Wisconsinites' privacy in an increasingly digital world. "With the proliferation of online services and connected devices, it is more crucial than ever to ensure that our citizens' personal information is protected from exploitation and abuse," she said.The Wisconsin Internet Privacy Protection Act also mandates that online platforms, such as social media websites and e-commerce platforms, must provide users with clear and easily accessible privacy settings to control the collection and use of their data. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in hefty fines and penalties for violators.Privacy advocates and consumer rights groups have praised the passage of the new law, hailing it as a significant victory for digital privacy rights. "Wisconsin has set a strong example for other states to follow in prioritizing the protection of individuals' personal data online," said Rebecca Johnson, spokesperson for the Digital Privacy Alliance.However, some industry groups have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the new regulations on business operations and innovation. ISPs and tech companies have warned that the stringent requirements could stifle growth and limit the development of new services and technologies in the state.Despite the mixed reactions, the Wisconsin Internet Privacy Protection Act represents a major step forward in the ongoing battle to secure and preserve the digital privacy rights of individuals. With the enactment of this law, Wisconsin joins a growing number of states taking proactive measures to address the challenges of online privacy in the digital age.