Bill > HB1729

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for protecting children's online safety by creating new regulations for digital platforms. The legislation requires online platforms to implement age verification methods to identify users under 18 and establish strict default privacy settings that prevent non-connected users from directly messaging, viewing profiles, tagging, or conducting financial transactions with minors. For children under 13, parents must explicitly approve all new connections and financial transactions, and platforms must provide parents with easy access to view their child's connected users and transaction history. The bill prohibits "dark patterns" that could manipulate or complicate user privacy choices and prevents platforms from discriminating against users by degrading service due to compliance with these requirements. The Attorney General is granted rulemaking authority to define commercially reasonable age verification methods, and is empowered to bring civil actions against non-compliant platforms, with potential penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. The law aims to create a safer online environment for minors by giving parents more control and visibility into their children's digital interactions while maintaining platform flexibility in implementation. The legislation will take effect 60 days after passage.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1729