Recent legislative movements in the United States regarding children’s online safety reflect an increasing trend towards stricter regulatory frameworks. Vermont and Nebraska have both introduced their versions of the ‘kids code,’ known specifically as the Nebraska Age-Appropriate Design Code Act and the Vermont Age-Appropriate Design Code Act. These laws focus on protecting the personal data of minors under 18 years, while limiting design elements that may negatively impact underage users, such as addictive features including push notifications.
The Nebraska legislation has already been signed into law by Governor Jim Pillen and will come into effect in January 2026. Vermont’s legislation is pending the signature of Governor Phil Scott and would initiate in January 2027 if approved. Both states are tailoring their policies based on existing frameworks, but critics argue they are diluted versions of California’s more stringent measures.
This dual-state approach may create a compliance quagmire for companies operating across state lines. The divergence in the regulatory landscape adds layers of complexity for legal teams tasked with ensuring compliance. Needless to say, this state-by-state variance poses new challenges for businesses in terms of customizing policies to meet specific regional requirements.
Legal professionals must now monitor each state’s legislative advancements closely. The uncertainty in compliance strategies can be further explored in the full article on Bloomberg Law.