At least 15 states have enacted or are pursuing legislation that would require online companies to protect the safety and privacy of kids using their platforms, putting pressure on Congress to pass more unifying federal legislation.
California in 2021 was among the first to do so when it enacted a measure that requires social media and online companies to “prioritize” the health and well-being of children before launching apps and services publicly.
The California law was halted after NetChoice, a tech industry trade group, sued to block it. In September, a U.S. District Court ruled that parts of the law probably violated First Amendment rights to free speech. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.
