It is reported that California lawmakers have passed the first regulation in the United States to install so-called “guardrails” for users under the age of 18 – the California Age-appropriate Design Code Act. The regulation passed by a vote of 33 to 0.
“The digital ecosystem is by default unsafe for children,” said Democrat Buffy Wicks, co-sponsor with Republican Jordan Cunningham, “and we believe that what we call the Kids’ Code will pass basically Ask these companies to better protect children and make technology safer for children.”
Unlike the previous Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, the new bill doesn’t just address services aimed at children. Instead, it covers websites and apps that people under the age of 18 are likely to visit.
“Children deserve protection not only for online products and services specific to them, but for all online products and services they may access,” the regulations said.
The new bill has now been approved by the state legislature. Now, it must be approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom, which would take effect in 2024.