Bill > H301

This bill aims to enhance online safety for children and integrate artificial intelligence (AI) education into North Carolina's public schools. It establishes new protections for children under 16 on "addictive social media platforms," which are defined as platforms primarily for user-uploaded content that employ algorithms, have addictive features like infinite scrolling or push notifications, and are used by a significant number of young users for extended periods; these platforms will be required to implement age verification and obtain parental consent for users aged 14 and 15, with strict rules on data usage and deletion for minors. The bill also mandates that the State Board of Education update computer science standards to include AI literacy for all grade levels, covering topics like ethical use, limitations, and data privacy, with these updated standards to be implemented by the 2028-2029 school year. Furthermore, the Department of Public Instruction will develop a model AI policy for schools, and all public school units, including charter schools and laboratory schools, must adopt their own AI use policies based on this model by June 30, 2027. The Department will also create a framework to evaluate generative AI educational tools, maintain a public list of approved tools, and partner with the Friday Institute to develop comprehensive AI training for educators and administrators, which must be completed by June 30, 2028.