In a recent legal move signaling ongoing tensions between tech industry groups and regulatory authorities, NetChoice has initiated a lawsuit to challenge Maryland’s newly enacted children’s online safety legislation. Filed in the US District Court for the District of Maryland, the suit argues against the Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, which came into effect in October 2023.
The legislation imposes stringent restrictions on companies regarding how they handle data from users under the age of 18. Notably, it mandates that businesses conduct detailed assessments of how their products and services impact young users, with a focus on data protection and privacy.
The NetChoice complaint asserts that the Maryland law is unlawful and seeks to prevent the state from enforcing these provisions. The legal challenge underscores the broader pattern of confrontations between the tech sector and government bodies over digital privacy and data security standards, a trend that has been evolving rapidly across various states.
Interested parties can track the progress of the case under docket number 1:25-cv-00322.
This lawsuit is consistent with broader industry concerns about the complexity and operational impact of complying with multiple state-level regulations, each of which may impose distinctive requirements and standards on technology companies.
For additional background and analysis, consider reviewing detailed coverage from Bloomberg Law, which continues to track developments in this ongoing legal debate.