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A breach in privacy, receiving all kinds of spam, and even distributing private information are just some of the violations and "online crimes" that many people are doing on the internet.  Though we can say that the World Wide Web provides access and convenience for many in terms of communication with others, there are just some instances when abuse and violations of privacy happen because of this freedom.  Therefore, for internet users all over the world, it is important that they know or be aware of internet privacy laws that could protect not only their rights as internet users but their overall privacy and personal information as well.  Whether it is within the home or at the office, internet privacy should be taken into much consideration, be respected by both parties, and laws regarding its protection should be enacted and exercised in order to promote discipline and limitation on the World Wide Web.

This article is going to provide several state laws regarding internet privacy in terms of its different aspects such as ISP permissions, confidentiality with regards to email addresses, and the like.

• Both Nevada and Minnesota have passed internet privacy laws which require Internet Service Providers to keep certain information concerning their subscribers confidential unless the subscriber stated otherwise or gives permission to disclose information.  Though Minnesota allows the act of asking permission from subscribers, both states still prohibit unauthorized disclosure of personally identifying information, which includes the person's email addresses or telephone numbers.  Violation of this law is punishable by a fine of $50 to $500 per violation.

• For California and Utah, non-financial businesses are required to disclose to customers, either through writing or email, the types of personal information that the business shares to a third party for reasons such as direct marketing purposes or for compensation.  Specifically under the California internet privacy law, businesses can provide its customers a privacy statement in order to give them a choice whether to disclose such information or not at no cost whatsoever.

• California also has the Online Privacy Protection Act which requires an operator or a person that collects personally identifiable information from residents of the state through an online website for commercial purposes to post clearly and concisely its privacy policies on its official website and to completely comply with such policies.  These policies should display the number of categories of personally identifiable information, provide descriptions for each, as well as the third party sites with whom the operator shares the information with.

• Connecticut and Delaware are states that both require employers who are established there to give prior notice to its employees with regards to monitoring their email communications or internet access.  This basically means that an employer is absolutely prohibited to intercept electronic mail or the history of the employee's internet usage unless he or she has notified the employee prior to this, either through a written or electronic notice.   This law, particularly under the Delaware code, punishes each violation with a penalty of $100.