Bill > SB602

This bill establishes the Algorithmic Addiction Fund, to be managed by the Maryland Department of Health, which will receive all civil penalties collected by the state from judgments or settlements related to harm to children caused by social media use and the improper use of algorithms, a term referring to the complex sets of rules and instructions that govern how content is displayed and recommended online. The fund's purpose is to support prevention, intervention, and treatment services for issues arising from algorithmic addiction, including mental and physical health impacts, and to fund educational campaigns and research. The Secretary of Health is required to report annually to the General Assembly on the fund's expenditures and the progress of these services. The bill's implementation is contingent upon a judgment or settlement against technology companies concerning harm to children from social media and algorithms, with a specific effective date of June 1, 2026, subject to that contingency.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0602?ys=2026RS