Representative Kotter introduces children's online safety bill in Rhode Island legislature
March 27, 2025 | 2025 Legislature RI, Rhode Island
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Rhode Island lawmakers are taking significant steps to enhance online safety for children, as discussions at the House Committee on Innovation, Internet, & Technology meeting on March 27, 2025, highlighted the urgent need for protective measures against harmful digital content. Representative Kotter, a mother of three teenagers, passionately advocated for a new bill aimed at safeguarding minors from exploitation and addictive online practices.
The proposed legislation draws inspiration from California's age-appropriate design code while ensuring that First Amendment rights are respected. Kotter emphasized the alarming statistics surrounding children's online experiences, noting that one in eight children under 16 on Instagram reported unwanted advances in just the past week. Additionally, 50% of parents expressed concerns about their children's mental health due to social media exposure, and 75% of social media platforms utilize AI to connect children's profiles with strangers.
Kotter's call to action resonated with the committee, as she highlighted the need for Rhode Island to join a coalition of states committed to child safety online, regardless of political affiliation. The urgency of the situation was underscored by her assertion that children are currently navigating a digital landscape without adequate guardrails, akin to sending them to a playground without supervision.
In addition to the child safety bill, the committee also reviewed a separate proposal focused on privacy protections for location data derived from electronic devices. This bill aims to establish regulations that would enhance safeguards against unauthorized disclosure of individuals' location information, a growing concern in the digital age.
As Rhode Island moves forward with these legislative efforts, the implications for children's safety and privacy in the digital realm are profound. The committee's discussions signal a commitment to addressing these critical issues, paving the way for a safer online environment for the state's youth.
The proposed legislation draws inspiration from California's age-appropriate design code while ensuring that First Amendment rights are respected. Kotter emphasized the alarming statistics surrounding children's online experiences, noting that one in eight children under 16 on Instagram reported unwanted advances in just the past week. Additionally, 50% of parents expressed concerns about their children's mental health due to social media exposure, and 75% of social media platforms utilize AI to connect children's profiles with strangers.
Kotter's call to action resonated with the committee, as she highlighted the need for Rhode Island to join a coalition of states committed to child safety online, regardless of political affiliation. The urgency of the situation was underscored by her assertion that children are currently navigating a digital landscape without adequate guardrails, akin to sending them to a playground without supervision.
In addition to the child safety bill, the committee also reviewed a separate proposal focused on privacy protections for location data derived from electronic devices. This bill aims to establish regulations that would enhance safeguards against unauthorized disclosure of individuals' location information, a growing concern in the digital age.
As Rhode Island moves forward with these legislative efforts, the implications for children's safety and privacy in the digital realm are profound. The committee's discussions signal a commitment to addressing these critical issues, paving the way for a safer online environment for the state's youth.
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