Maine’s Governor has signed a bill on 6th June which is said to be one of the strictest Internet privacy bills. The bill contains the act of protecting the privacy of online consumer information. According to the act, the Internet service providers in Maine are required to get permission from their customers before selling or sharing their data with third parties. The law has come into effect on 1st July and prohibits ISPs to offer discounts to customers in exchange for selling their data.
Maine Governor Janet Mills said, “The internet is a powerful tool, and as it becomes increasingly intertwined with our lives, it is appropriate to take steps to protect the personal information and privacy of Maine people, With this common-sense law, Maine people can access the internet with the knowledge and comfort that their personal information cannot be bought or sold by their ISPs without their express approval.”
Maine’s new law over Internet privacy is similar to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules which were approved in 2016. As per FCC rules, broadband companies have to get their customers’ permission before they share their sensitive data to others. The sensitive data includes web browsing history, app usage and whereabouts to marketers. The law approved by Maine Governor is reducing the Internet tracking done by the websites and Internet providers.
In 2018, California approved a similar law, which was passed when the country needed the toughest internet privacy law. Maine’s recently made law does not require individuals to request websites and ISPs not to sell their personal data to third parties.
