Georgia Senate Bill SB495

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/26
• Refer: 2/12/26

Caption

"Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"; enact

Impact

The legislation significantly amends Chapter 10 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated by establishing responsibilities for covered entities to manage minors' data more securely. Notably, it requires these entities to implement user-friendly features that enable minors to manage their own data, including the option to delete personal information and control privacy settings. The act also stipulates that covered entities must regularly update their practices to adapt to new technological developments, thereby ensuring ongoing relevance and effectiveness against emerging digital threats.

Summary

SB495, known as the 'Age-Appropriate Design Code Act', aims to enhance data privacy protections for minors in online environments. The bill introduces specific restrictions on high-risk data practices related to minors, requiring covered entities (those primarily offering online services likely accessed by minors) to take extra steps when designing their products. Specifically, it prohibits certain design features that could lead to compulsive use among minors and mandates that any data collected for age verification purposes must be handled with care and privacy in mind.

Contention

While proponents of SB495 argue that it is a necessary reform to protect the privacy and well-being of minors in the digital age, critics express concerns regarding its potential impact on businesses, particularly smaller organizations that may struggle to comply with extensive data management and design requirements. There are apprehensions that the bill could hinder innovation and restrict access to online resources for minors. Additionally, discussions around balancing effective protection for youths while fostering a supportive environment for businesses have been a focal point of contention in legislative debates.