Source: The Verge

The Verge provides a comprehensive overview of the new tech and internet laws taking effect in the United States on January 1, 2026. With the federal government largely paralyzed by congressional dysfunction, state legislatures have become the primary battleground for technology regulation. These new laws cover a vast spectrum of digital life, including artificial intelligence transparency, enhanced data privacy, social media safety for minors, and the expansion of the "right to repair" for electronic devices. States like Maryland and Minnesota are highlighted for passing landmark privacy acts that grant consumers more control over their personal information.

The report emphasizes that many of these laws are specifically designed to curb the "wild west" era of generative AI. Several states have implemented mandates requiring the labeling of synthetic content and the disclosure of training data sources. Additionally, new consumer protection statutes aim to hold platforms accountable for algorithmic harms and addictive design features. For technology companies, this means navigating an increasingly complex patchwork of state-level compliance requirements, which is fundamentally reshaping how digital products are developed and marketed in the American landscape.