Vermont introduced a similar bill earlier this month and an Illinois lawmaker will introduce one next week. Legislators in New Mexico, Maryland and Minnesota are in the process of updating bills submitted last year.

To be clear: If we do not pass the Maryland Kids Code, those existing harms will continue, and they will continue to hit underserved communities the hardest.

The Kids Code would put the onus on social media platforms to institute the strongest privacy-by-default and safety-by-design protections available and ensure products are age-appropriate and in kids’ best interests.

So, when I learned about the Maryland Kids Code initiative, it was such a relief. Finally, communities are recognizing that the responsibility shouldn’t only be on parents – social media companies also need to take accountability for their designs and role in our kids’ lives. We need to pass legislation that puts the onus on…