Vermont Lawmakers Pass Kids Code as Data Privacy Bills Stall
Montpelier, VT – Vermont lawmakers made significant strides in the ongoing battle for online privacy, passing the "Kids Code" legislation aimed at protecting minors from harmful social media practices. The bill, known as S.69, mandates that social media platforms adjust their algorithms to minimize addictive features for users under 18. It was overwhelmingly approved by both chambers of the Legislature and is now awaiting Gov. Phil Scott’s review.
Despite this progress, lawmakers decided to suspend efforts on a comprehensive data privacy overhaul embodied in bill S.71. Originally designed to limit the data companies could collect from Vermonters—granting consumers the ability to sue for violations—the data privacy bill faced fierce opposition from both local businesses and large tech firms. In light of intense lobbying and a desire to reconcile the diverse interests of Vermont’s businesses, lawmakers opted to pause this legislative effort for further consideration.
Rep. Monique Priestley emphasized the need for engagement with the public and local businesses to ensure that any future legislation genuinely protects Vermonters. She acknowledged the overwhelming influence of lobbyists, claiming that they significantly affect the fate of proposed policies. Major tech companies such as Meta, Google, and Apple spent over $110,000 on lobbying activities in Vermont since the beginning of the year, complicating legislative efforts.
While the comprehensive data privacy measures await further refinement, the Kids Code has sparked bipartisan support as a necessary step toward digital safety for minors. The legislation aims to mitigate the mental health risks associated with social media, warranting high hopes from advocates for its potential impact on the wellbeing of Vermont’s youth as it heads for the governor’s desk.
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