Minnesota Minor Data Safety Act

 

To strengthen protections for minors by prohibiting the sale, sharing, or transfer of personal data of individuals under

18 years old, addressing gaps in current Minnesota law. This is a public safety measure to prevent tracking, targeting,

and exploitation of minors online.

 

1. Minnesota’s current data privacy law protects children 13–16, but minors 17 and under remain vulnerable.

2. Personal data of minors can be used to track, manipulate, or harm them.

3. Expanding protections to all minors is necessary to ensure online safety.

 

1. Minor: Any individual under the age of 18.

2. Personal Data: Any information that identifies, relates to, or can reasonably be linked to an individual.

3. Data Sale: Any transfer, exchange, or sharing of personal data to a third party for monetary or non-monetary value.

4. Business: Any company or entity operating in Minnesota that collects or processes personal data from minors.

 

 

Enforcement will be funded through penalties collected under this act; no additional state funding is required.

 

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office shall oversee enforcement, including compliance checks, audits, and

investigations. 1. First violation: $2,000 per minor affected.

2. Repeated violations: $5,000 per minor affected.

3. Persistent noncompliance may result in temporary suspension of business operations until compliant.

 

This act shall take effect July 1, 2026