❌ SB167
Require certain application store-based parental controls
Summary
The bill requires developers of applications likely to be accessed by children to implement parental controls and obtain parental consent for users under sixteen years of age starting January 1, 2026. It mandates that manufacturers of devices and application stores take steps to determine the age of users and provide features for parental supervision. The Attorney General is authorized to enforce compliance and impose penalties for violations.
Rationale
The bill imposes regulations on application developers and manufacturers, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual rights. It restricts the freedom of developers and parents to manage their own applications and parental controls without government mandates.
Risks and Concerns
- Increased government oversight of technology and applications.
- Potential for overreach in defining what constitutes a 'covered application'.
- Burden on developers and manufacturers to comply with new regulations.