Vermont Kids Code targets abusive tech practices without restricting online content

Vermont is taking a significant step to protect children online by introducing the Vermont Kids Code, which aims to regulate harmful data and design practices used by tech companies. This new legislation focuses on ensuring that companies consider the impact of their business practices on minors, rather than imposing restrictions on the content children can access.

During a recent House Commerce meeting, industry representatives expressed concerns about the potential for online censorship laws, which they argue threaten free expression. However, advocates for the Vermont Kids Code clarified that their initiative is not about censorship. Instead, it addresses the abusive practices that tech companies employ, particularly those that manipulate children into spending more time on their platforms.

The Vermont Kids Code seeks to combat tactics that have been likened to those used in the gambling industry, where companies use notifications and design strategies to keep children engaged. These practices can disrupt children's daily activities, such as play, schoolwork, and sleep, ultimately undermining their autonomy and well-being.

Unlike laws in other states, such as Texas and Ohio, which impose restrictions on the content accessible to minors, the Vermont Kids Code does not limit what children can see online. Instead, it focuses on holding tech companies accountable for their data collection and design practices, ensuring that children's safety and privacy are prioritized.

As Vermont moves forward with this legislation, it sets a precedent for other states to consider similar measures that protect young users without infringing on their rights to access information and ideas. The implications of this code could reshape how tech companies operate, fostering a safer online environment for children across the state.