Kids and teens deserve online platforms designed for them.
Every day children are using a digital world that is designed by and for adults, where they are nudged to give up their privacy, offered harmful material, and exposed to risky contacts and behaviors. While we test cribs and car seats and put nutrition labels on foods, the internet has never had product safety testing for children and teens. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Bold landmark legislation in the Age Appropriate Design Code, otherwise known as the “Kids Code,” has already gone into effect in the UK and produced meaningful changes from Big Tech companies to protect kids and teens online. The legislation was unanimously passed in Vermont and has been signed into law in California and now Maryland.
What is the Maryland Kids Code?
Introduced by Delegates Jared Solomon (D-18) and C.T. Wilson (D-26), along with Maryland Senators Benjamin Kramer (D-19) and Chris West (R-42), the Maryland Kids Code unanimously passed out of General Assembly on April 6, 2024 and signed into law by Governor Moore on May 9, 2024.
The Kids Code requires privacy by design and default, and it requires online products and services reasonably likely to be accessed by children and teens under 18 to be age appropriate and designed in kids’ best interests. While Big Tech attempts to fight the AADC with infinite resources and lawsuits, legislators and civil society organizations are continuing to prioritize kids’ safety and wellbeing online.
Parents, youth, medical professionals, join us in fighting for a better online future.
Add your name to support the Maryland Kids Code
Video Testimonials
Arielle, Young person from MD
Andrew, Young person from MD
Todd Minor, Father from MD
Christine McComas, Mother from MD
Alexander Miles, Entrepreneur from MD
Dr. Justin Lowenthal, Doctor from MD
Quotes from Marylanders
“This bill, if introduced a year ago, could’ve been the stakeholder that shielded me from the abuses of social media misconduct that was beyond my control, and would’ve hampered the media’s allowance of bullying. I could’ve been able to smile one more minute instead of being left to wonder if life is even worth living.”
Young person from MD
“I wish there were an easy fix to keeping these social media companies accountable. If there was a big red button to erase the current social media apps and make better ones catering to students’ mental health, I would press it in a heartbeat. Most people my age would too – but we can’t get rid of it, so we need to learn how to deal with it. By supporting this legislation, Maryland will help set the standard for online child and teen safety, and set simple, greater privacy settings as the default, which is proven to be effective. Design Code regulations have already been approved in the UK and California; we ought to have the same safeguards.”
Young person from MD
“My 16 year old daughter is in recovery from anorexia, anxiety, and self harm. I have no doubt that this was in no small part fueled by toxic social media.”
Parent from Takoma Park, MD
“My daughter is suffering from depression due to social media.”
Parent from, Catonsville, MD
“Social media can lead to eating disorders. It did it to my daughter.”
Parent from, Germantown, MD
“My 19 year old daughter faced so much bullying and self image issues because of social media. She survived, but it was horrible.”
Maryland Parent
“I am a pediatrician. I witness the horrible effects social media is having on our children everyday.”
Physician in Ellicott City, MD
“I teach high school. I too often see the negative impact of social media on our children.”
Teacher from Ijamsville, MD
“I nearly lost my daughter to suicide at 14. Her depression and anxiety took over her life. Her eating disorder had her hospitalized and we are blessed that she is alive now as an adult.”
