We Need to Keep Kids Safe Online: There is a Solution.
A Better World Online is Possible
Every day children are using a digital world that is designed by and for adults, where they are nudged to give up their privacy, offered harmful material, and exposed to risky contacts and behaviors.
The Age Appropriate Design Code (AB 2273, Asm. Wicks, D, and Asm. Cunningham, R) passed with nearly unanimous bipartisan support in 2022.
The AADC model is already in effect in the UK and Ireland, and has spurred meaningful changes from Big Tech platforms in the UK to protect the safety and privacy of kids online. Inspired by the success of the AADC model, Kids Codes have been introduced in many other states in the U.S. and unanimously passed now in Maryland and Vermont.
The Digital World Young People and Parents Want
In support of the California Kids Code, the GoodforMEdia team provided testimony to the California State Assembly about how to improve online experiences for young people. Hear more from young people.
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Teens Speak Out
Young people across California and the country spoke out in support of the California Kids Code
Over a hundred young people across the country urged tech CEOs to support the landmark legislation
How Does the Kids Code Work?
The Kids Code requires companies to consider the privacy and protection of children in the design of any digital product or service that children in California are likely to access.
We know the practical impact this can have on children, because the Kids Code is based on a UK law that has already prompted Silicon Valley’s biggest names to innovate in the best interests of US and UK children. For instance:
- YouTube and Google announced a policy framework that requires the development and design of age appropriate products.
- Google has made SafeSearch the default browsing mode for all under 18s.
- YouTube has turned off autoplay for under 18s and break and bedtime reminders are turned on by default.
- TikTok and Instagram have disabled direct messages between children and adults they do not follow.
- The Google Play Store now prevents under 18s from viewing and downloading apps rated as adult-only.
These are just a handful of changes that will make children’s experience online safer.
A Proven Framework
Children deserve the protections achieved with the Kids Code
Big Tech’s Attempts to Undermine the California Kids Code
Shortly after the Kids Code was signed into law in California, NetChoice — a coalition of trade associations representing the country’s largest tech companies — filed a lawsuit against the Kids Code, arguing the law “violates free speech rights under the First Amendment.”
In September 2023, the District Court for the Northern District of California granted a preliminary injunction against the Kids Code, preventing the law from going into enforcement. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has appealed and a decision is expected in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Spring 2024.
Groups representing nearly 2 million educators, physicians, legal experts, tech whistleblowers, technologists, plus 21 bipartisan state Attorneys General, and the FTC have filed amicus briefs urging the Ninth Circuit to block Big Tech’s effort to weaponize First Amendment, overturn the nation’s first comprehensive children’s privacy law and imperil existing consumer safety laws.
Response to Big Tech’s Lawsuit
Advocates and experts filed amicus briefs countering Big Tech’s attack on the landmark Kids Code legislation
Supporters
Supporting Organizations
How Can I Support the Kids Code?
Support Kids Codes in Other States
Join the Kids Code Coalition in supporting this landmark legislation in other states across the country.
News and Information
Media inquiries: press@kidscodecoalition.org