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Bill

SB 167

Require certain application store-based parental controls

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michele Reynolds

Ohio SB 167 mandates app stores implement enhanced parental control features to restrict children's access to age-inappropriate applications and content.

Referred to committee
#commerce #consumerprotection #technology
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Bill Summary · SB 167

Legislative bill overview

SB 167 requires application stores (like Apple App Store and Google Play Store) to provide robust parental control features that allow parents to restrict their children's access to age-inappropriate apps and content. The bill mandates these controls be easily accessible, functional, and clearly explained to users at the point of purchase or download.

Why is this important

Parents increasingly struggle to manage their children's digital consumption, and app store parental controls vary significantly in effectiveness and usability. Standardizing and strengthening these protections could reduce children's exposure to harmful content, addictive designs, and predatory practices—issues frequently cited in child safety advocacy and legislative debates.

Potential points of contention

  • Tech industry compliance burden: App stores may argue that enhanced parental controls require significant technical investment and could increase operational costs or complicate platform design
  • Effectiveness questions: Critics may point out that determined minors often circumvent parental controls, and legislation cannot substitute for parental engagement and monitoring
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's success depends heavily on how "age-inappropriate" is defined and enforced—vague standards could lead to inconsistent application or unintended content restrictions
  • First Amendment concerns: Tech platforms might challenge overly prescriptive requirements as infringing on their editorial discretion in content curation

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

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