Cybersecurity Policy Report, Kentucky Bill Targets ‘Addictive’ Online Features, (Feb 19, 2026)
The Kentucky House Small Business and Information Technology Committee voted this week to pass a bill that would require large social media and AI (artificial intelligence) platforms in the state to take several steps aimed at protecting children from potentially addictive features and targeted advertising on large social media and AI companion platforms.
HB 227 requires platforms to estimate the age of users based on existing data after certain usage thresholds and to update these estimates regularly. If a user is determined to be a child (under 13) or a minor (under 18), the platform must obtain verifiable parental consent before creating or maintaining an account and must set all privacy settings to the most private by default for children.
In addition, platforms should also give parents the ability to monitor and limit their child’s usage, and platforms would be prohibited from displaying addictive features or profile-based paid advertising to children.
The act also mandates that platforms terminate accounts for children if parental consent is not obtained and provides clear procedures for minors or their parents to request account termination. If a platform determines an account must be terminated due to age classification, it must notify the user and allow a 30-day period to dispute the classification or provide consent.
The bill (H.B. 227, Reg Sess.) is sponsored by Rep. Matt Lockett (R., District 39).
News: StateLegislation DataPrivacy