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Bill

Bill

A 4015

"New Jersey Kids Code Act"; adopts New Jersey Age-Appropriate Design Code and requires certain online service providers to implement certain measures concerning minors' use of online service.*

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 11 co-sponsors

New Jersey requires online platforms to implement child-protective design standards including data limits, algorithmic safeguards, and privacy defaults for minors' use.

Passed Assembly (Passed Both Houses) (73-5-0)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4015

Legislative bill overview

The New Jersey Kids Code Act establishes an "Age-Appropriate Design Code" that requires online services to implement specific protections and design practices when minors use their platforms. The bill mandates companies operating online services accessible to children implement measures like privacy safeguards, limits on data collection, reduced algorithmic amplification of harmful content, and default settings prioritizing child safety.

Why is this important

As children spend increasing time online, platforms have faced criticism for collecting excessive data, enabling addictive design patterns, and exposing minors to harmful content. This legislation attempts to shift responsibility to companies to proactively design safer experiences rather than relying on parents alone or reactive regulation. The bill could serve as a model for other states and influence how major tech platforms operate nationally.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs and innovation: Tech companies argue compliance expenses may force small platforms to exit markets or reduce features, potentially limiting competition and new services designed for youth
  • Definition ambiguity: Terms like "age-appropriate" and "harmful content" lack universal agreement, creating enforcement challenges and potential inconsistency in implementation across platforms
  • Parental rights vs. platform control: Tension exists between parents' authority to manage children's online activity and platforms making design decisions that could override parental preferences or limit user choice

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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