California lawmakers have passed legislation that aims to provide wide ranging online protections for children and teenagers under the age of 18.
The “California Age Appropriate Design Code Act” passed the state’s Senate by a vote of 33-0 in favour of the bill. The legislation had previously passed in the state Assembly.
The new rules aim to hold social media companies such as Twitter (TWTR) and Snap (SNAP), as well as other online services, accountable for protecting children and teenagers who use their services.
Going forward, social media and online companies will be required to lessen the risks posed by things such as messaging strangers, and to limit the collection and use of data related to minors.
Companies that violate the new rules in California could face fines of up to $7,500 U.S. per impacted youth. The bill is modeled after the Online Safety Bill that is already in effect in the United Kingdom.
Critics of the legislation have said that the new rules are too broad, making it difficult for companies to comply. The bill still needs to be signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who hasn’t taken a public stance on the legislation. If signed into law, the new rules would take effect beginning in 2024.
