Vermont pushes for stronger federal protections against harmful social media designs for children

In a recent government meeting in Vermont, discussions centered on the urgent need for enhanced online protections for children, highlighting the shortcomings of existing federal laws. Currently, the only federal legislation safeguarding children online dates back to 1998, a time before the rise of social media and smartphones, and it only protects kids up to the age of thirteen. This outdated framework has left many young users vulnerable to harmful content and practices prevalent on platforms like TikTok, Meta, and Snap.

The proposed legislation aims to establish a minimum duty of care for these platforms, ensuring that their design and use of personal data do not lead to foreseeable emotional distress among minors. This would require platforms to implement the most protective settings by default, making it harder for them to obscure safety features. Additionally, the legislation seeks to limit notifications that could lead minors into harmful content related to self-harm and eating disorders, while also empowering employees within these companies who advocate for children's safety.

Despite a significant bipartisan push in the Senate last year, which saw a 93-0 vote in favor of online safety and privacy legislation, the bill stalled in the House due to lobbying efforts from major tech companies. The current political climate, characterized by close ties between big tech CEOs and the administration, has further complicated the prospects for new federal protections.

Vermont's legislators are now presented with a critical opportunity to take the lead in this area. With initiatives like the age-appropriate design code and phone-free schools legislation under consideration, the state could set a precedent for prioritizing the well-being of young people over corporate profits. Advocates stress that Vermont's children cannot afford to wait for Congress to act, emphasizing the need for immediate and effective measures to foster healthier relationships with technology.

As discussions continue, the outcome of these legislative efforts could significantly impact the future of online safety for children, not just in Vermont, but potentially across the nation.