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Kids’ online safety proposal would collect ages for app developers
Sen. Andy Kim is reportedly circulating the draft of a kids’ only safety bill called the Digital Age Insurance Act.
According to Politico, sources close to the matter state that this bill would require operating system providers like Apple and Google to collect the age of users. This data would then be given to app developers.
This bill would specifically require operating systems to collect ages when accounts are established. When given to app developers, certain content would be blocked from users if it’s not deemed age appropriate.
Additionally, users younger than 18 would need parents to create accounts on their behalf.
Politico points to a bill similar to Kim’s proposal that was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom last year. This law added “required features for platforms and products such as age verification, protocols to address suicide and self-harm, warnings regarding social media,” and safeguards for AI, among other things.
Politico then-reported that the California bill garnered support from tech behemoths including Google, OpenAI and Meta. It unanimously passed the state Assembly in a 58 to 0 vote.
“Emerging technology like chatbots and social media can inspire, educate, and connect — but without real guardrails, technology can exploit, mislead, and endanger our kids,” Newsom said via statement. “We’ve seen some truly horrific and tragic examples of young people harmed by unregulated tech, and we won’t stand by while companies continue without necessary limits and accountability.
“We can continue to lead in AI and technology, but we must do it responsibly — protecting our children every step of the way. Our children’s safety is not for sale.”
Kim is currently looking for a Senate co-sponsor and collecting feedback from online safety groups regarding his motion, Politico states.
“I’m a father of two young boys, of course I am working to protect every child from the dangers of social media,” Kim said via statement to Politico. “Every parent feels that anxiety.
“We can give them peace of mind by putting privacy first in a new age of algorithms and AI.”