Vermont Attorney General clarifies S 69 misconceptions on online youth services

The House Commerce meeting held on April 8, 2025, focused on the implications of proposed legislation, specifically S 69, which addresses online services and their impact on youth in Vermont. A significant point of discussion was the concern raised about the bill potentially prohibiting online platforms from providing algorithmically curated feeds that promote healthy content for teenagers. Critics argue that this could disproportionately affect the state's most vulnerable youth.

In response to these concerns, a representative clarified that the claims made against the bill are unfounded. They emphasized that companies would not be required to remove content or monitor user interactions to comply with the law. Instead, the legislation is designed to set standards without mandating censorship. The representative invited further discussion, offering to schedule a Zoom meeting to clarify the legal language and implications of the bill.

This meeting highlighted the ongoing debate about balancing online safety for youth with the operational freedoms of digital platforms. As the legislation progresses, stakeholders are encouraged to engage in dialogue to ensure that the needs of Vermont's youth are adequately addressed while maintaining a fair regulatory environment for online services.