New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4015

Introduced
2/5/26  
Refer
2/5/26  

Caption

"New Jersey Kids Code Act", adopts Age-Appropriate Design Code for New Jersey and requires certain online services to implement certain measures concerning minors' use of online service.

Impact

The act's passage is expected to have profound implications for state laws governing data privacy. By instituting rules that specifically address the vulnerabilities of minors in the digital space, A4015 seeks to prevent exploitation through targeted advertising and harmful content exposure. This reflects a growing recognition of the need for specific legal frameworks to protect young individuals from the risks associated with online platforms. The act also mandates that service providers engage independent auditors to ensure compliance and produce annual reports describing their data practices related to minors.

Summary

A4015, known as the 'New Jersey Kids Code Act', aims to enhance the online safety and privacy of minors by establishing an Age-Appropriate Design Code. This legislation mandates that covered online service providers, which include companies with significant revenue or user data processing, incorporate a range of default safety measures designed to protect minors' data. The bill emphasizes compulsory default privacy settings to the highest level of protection for users identified as minors, preventing any prompts to lower these settings, and requires transparency in how personal data is collected and used.

Contention

While supporters laud the bill for addressing critical concerns around youth mental health and the risks associated with social media, some stakeholders argue that it might impose excessive burdens on online services. Critics worry about the potential for increased operational costs for businesses that must adapt to new compliance measures, which could inadvertently limit the availability of online resources for minors. Moreover, the requirements for constant adjustments in compliance to technological advances may place a significant strain on smaller entities striving to meet the standards set forth by the legislation.

Companion Bills

NJ S3413

Same As "New Jersey Kids Code Act", adopts Age-Appropriate Design Code for New Jersey and requires certain online services to implement certain measures concerning minors' use of online service.

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