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New York State Attorney General Letitia James has joined forces with attorneys general from across the nation to advocate for stronger online safety measures for children. The coalition is opposing the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, arguing that it would weaken states' ability to protect children online and shield large companies from accountability.
Attorney General James and her colleagues are particularly concerned that the proposed measure would prevent states from addressing online threats to minors, including those posed by social media platforms and AI chatbots. Instead, they are urging Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act, which would require online platforms to act in the best interest of minors while allowing states to enforce stronger protections.
The push for enhanced online safety comes amid a growing patchwork of state laws aimed at protecting children and teens online. According to a report by Keller and Heckman LLP, these laws address various issues, such as age-appropriate design codes, age verification, and restrictions on targeted advertising to minors.
The coalition's efforts highlight the ongoing debate over how best to safeguard children in the digital age. As states continue to enact their own privacy laws, industry groups like NetChoice have challenged many of these measures, citing constitutional concerns. The outcome of these legal battles could shape the future of online safety regulations for minors.
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