Louisiana lawmakers debate minors' data protection amid targeted advertising concerns

The Louisiana House Appropriations Committee met on May 6, 2025, to discuss significant legislation aimed at protecting minors' online privacy. Central to the discussion was a bill designed to prohibit the collection and sale of data from minors for targeted advertising, a move that follows growing concerns about online safety and the impact of digital interactions on youth.

The bill, which was previously signed into law by the governor, seeks to ensure that app developers comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). This legislation mandates that apps must verify the age of users and link accounts of minors to adult supervisors. The intent is to hold app developers accountable for how they handle minors' data, eliminating the defense that they were unaware of a user's age.

During the meeting, committee members raised critical questions about the enforcement mechanisms of the bill. A key point of contention was whether the bill would limit parents' rights to pursue legal action against companies that fail to comply with the new regulations. Concerns were voiced about the potential implications for cases of online bullying, particularly in tragic scenarios where bullying may lead to severe consequences, such as suicide. Members debated whether the Attorney General's office would be the sole avenue for enforcement, potentially restricting parents' ability to seek civil recourse against companies.

Another topic of discussion involved the treatment of emancipated minors, particularly those who may earn income through platforms like TikTok. Committee members questioned how the bill would apply to these individuals, emphasizing that once emancipated, minors should not be subject to parental control over their online activities. The need for clear guidelines on how to verify emancipation in the context of age verification processes was highlighted as a potential oversight in the current legislation.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of regulating minors' online interactions and the need for careful consideration of the bill's provisions to ensure it effectively protects young users while allowing for necessary legal recourse. The committee's discussions will likely influence the final form of the legislation as it moves forward.