Cybersecurity Policy Report, Maryland ‘Kids Code’ Bill Clears Senate, House Votes, (Mar 15, 2024)
The Maryland state Senate voted unanimously this week to pass the proposed Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code (AADC) Act, or the Maryland Kids Code, to implement new online protections for children.
The state House also passed its version of the bill (HB 0603) this week 135-0.
SB 0571/HB 0603 would require covered entities with online products that are likely to be accessed by children to ensure that those online products are “designed in a manner that recognizes the distinct needs of children within different age ranges.”
The bill requires such entities to, on or before April 1, 2026, prepare a data protection impact assessment for their online products. The assessment should consider whether the product is designed and offered in “a manner consistent with the best interests of children reasonably likely to access the online product.”
The bill would further restrict data collection, sharing, and profiling and the use of data in a way that is detrimental to a child. It would require strict privacy settings by default and switching off geolocation and prohibit the use of “nudge techniques” to encourage children to weaken their privacy protections.
SB 0571 is sponsored by Sens. Benjamin Kramer (D.), Chris West (R.), and Katie Hester (D.). HB 0603 is sponsored by Del. Jared Solomon (D.).
News: StateLegislation DataPrivacy