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Bill

Bill

HB 1726

TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS KIDS ONLINE SAFETY ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Justin Boyd and 4 co-sponsors

The Arkansas Kids Online Safety Act aims to protect children online by limiting targeted ads and addressing compulsive usage, enhancing digital safety for minors.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1726

Summary of House Bill 1726: Arkansas Kids Online Safety Act

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1726, titled the Arkansas Kids Online Safety Act, was introduced to enhance the online safety of children in Arkansas. The bill aimed to establish regulations for online platforms that target minors, ensuring that their digital experiences are safer and more secure.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant provisions, including:

  • Definitions:

    • Child: Defined as an individual aged twelve (12) years or younger.
    • Minor: Defined as an individual aged sixteen (16) years or younger.
    • Covered Platform: Refers to online platforms, messaging applications, or video streaming services designed to attract or engage individuals aged sixteen or younger.

  • Advertising Restrictions:

    • The bill sought to limit individual-specific advertising to minors, which would involve marketing directed at specific minors based on personal data or psychological profiling.
    • It allowed for age-appropriate advertisements but prohibited the use of personal data beyond the knowledge of the individual's age.

  • Compulsive Usage:

    • The bill recognized compulsive usage of online platforms, which could lead to anxiety or depression, and aimed to address this issue through regulatory measures.

  • Exemptions:

    • Certain entities were exempt from being classified as covered platforms, including educational institutions, libraries, and specific communication services that do not primarily target minors.

Impact

The Arkansas Kids Online Safety Act would have affected various stakeholders, including:

  • Children and Minors: The primary beneficiaries of the bill, aimed at protecting their online experiences.
  • Online Platforms: Companies operating services that target minors would need to comply with the new regulations, potentially altering their advertising strategies and content offerings.
  • Parents and Guardians: The bill aimed to provide a safer online environment for children, giving parents more confidence in the platforms their children use.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: March 10, 2025
  • Passed House: March 17, 2025
  • Received by Senate: March 17, 2025
  • Died in Senate Committee: May 5, 2025, at Sine Die adjournment

Conclusion

While the Arkansas Kids Online Safety Act aimed to create a safer online environment for children, it ultimately did not progress beyond the Senate committee stage. The bill's introduction highlighted ongoing concerns regarding children's safety in the digital space and the need for legislative action to address these issues.

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

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