Bill > HB226

This bill introduces comprehensive requirements for application stores, device manufacturers, and application developers to protect children's online safety. The legislation mandates that application stores take steps to verify the age of users and obtain parental consent for children under 16 when downloading certain applications. Starting January 1, 2026, developers must identify applications likely to be accessed by children and notify application stores accordingly. Device manufacturers must implement age verification mechanisms during initial device activation or subsequent operating system updates. Application stores will be required to provide parental consent processes, age-related signals to developers, and mechanisms for parents to supervise their children's application usage. The bill defines key terms like "device," "covered application," and "child," and establishes specific requirements for parental control features such as managing linked accounts, controlling content appropriateness, and limiting daily usage time. The Ohio Attorney General is granted enforcement authority, with the ability to issue notices and seek damages up to $2,500 per violation, while ensuring that companies have opportunities to cure identified issues. Importantly, the bill does not create a private right of action, meaning only the Attorney General can enforce these provisions, and it includes protections to prevent anti-competitive practices by application stores.

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https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb226