Children's Online Safety And Privacy Act

 

The purpose of this act is to ensure the safety of minors and protect their personal information by regulating how

online platforms collect, store, and share children's data.

 

Children under 18 are spending a lot of time online, yet so many platforms collect their personal data without proper

parental consent. Exposure to harmful content such as violence, sexual material, and self-harm can negatively affect

minors' mental health. In fact, a national survey found that 50% of parents reported their child's mental health had

suffered during the past year due to social media use. Current federal protections, such as COPPA (Children’s Online

Privacy Protection Act), only cover kids who are under the age of 13 and do not regulate targeted advertising or content

safety for older minors. The act that I'm proposing to you gives teens more privacy, stops the sale of minors' data, and

overall makes online spaces safer for kids.

 

“Minor” means any individual under the age of 18.

“Child” means any individual under the age of 18.

“Online platform” means any website, application, or online service that collects, stores, or processes user data.

“Personal information” means any data that can identify an individual, including but not limited to name, photograph,

address, location, or other identifying details.

“Parental consent” means verifiable permission granted by a parent or legal guardian before a child’s personal

information is collected or used.

“Targeted advertising” means advertising directed to a user based on their personal data, browsing history, or online

activity.

“Harmful or inappropriate content” means any online material, image, video, or communication that depicts or promotes

violence, sexual content, self-harm, substance use, discrimination, or other behavior unsuitable for minors.

 

A 0.05% tax would be placed on the social media platforms that exceed 100 million dollars in their annual revenue.

-The money raised from this tax would go into the Children’s Online Safety fund managed by the Office of the Attorney

General to pay for this Act.

 

The Office of the Minnesota Attorney General will oversee compliance with this act and investigate online platforms that

violate its rules. The online platforms that violate this act may face fines; they would have to fix their policies or

safety features, or have certain features suspended. Repeat or serious violations may lead to higher fines or legal

action. Parents or guardians can report a violation to the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General, which will be

investigated and action taken. The Office of the Minnesota Attorney General will publish an annual report detailing

violations, penalties imposed, and recommendations to improve children's online safety, to ensure platforms are being

held accountable and children's personal information and well-being are protected.

 

This act would take place on January 1, 2027, to give time for the revenues that earn more than 100 million per year to

implement this act.