Maryland’s legislature unanimously endorsed a bill Thursday aimed at bolstering children’s online security, putting the state on track to become the second in the nation that strictly limits what data technology companies may gather on minors.
companies from spying on minors and using their data to push targeted ads or manipulate their behavior online for profit by serving up content designed to keep them scrolling endlessly. Whenever other states have created new rules that force online businesses to mitigate potential risks to children, industry groups have swiftly filed suit,Under Senate Bill 571, also known as the Maryland Kids Code, companies would not be allowed to profile children to serve personalized ads, though companies would still be allowed to show ads to children.
The Maryland Office of the Attorney General would have enforcement powers under the state consumer protection act, and could impose fines of up to $2,500 per affected child for negligent violations or up to $7,500 per affected child for intentional violations.Lawmakers there were the first in the United States to pass a similar bill
Szabo, who is also a Maryland parent, told lawmakers that he believes there are legal solutions the state could embrace instead — including creating harsh penalties for child pornography and revenge porn generated by artificial intelligence.over laws that required parental permission for teenagers to create social media accounts. The group challenged Florida and Texas over laws that prevent social media platforms from moderating certain content posted by users.