Privacy advocates have long demanded action against apps and popular online networks to make them safer for children, and it looks like they may soon get their way.
Online Privacy for Kids – Internet Safety and Security for Kids
California lawmakers have passed a bill called the California Age Appropriate Design Code (AB 2273) that aims to strengthen federal standards and hold online platforms liable unless they take steps to make themselves safer for children. However, privacy advocates are divided over the effectiveness of the upcoming legislation. While some have welcomed the bill, saying it finally puts the privacy, safety and well-being of children above commercial interests, others are unimpressed.
“The law places an emphasis on ensuring the ‘health and well-being’ of children,” Tom Garrubba, director of Third-Party Risk Management Services at Echelon Risk + Cyber, told Lifewire via email. “[That’s] something that many parent groups and privacy advocates have criticized for years for turning a blind eye to the big tech companies.”
The California Senate has already passed the bipartisan bill AB 2273, which now sits in the hands of Governor Gavin Newsom, awaiting his signature.
