Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7632

Introduced
2/11/26  

Caption

Requires that any covered entity that develops/provides online services, products, or features that children are reasonably likely to access shall consider the best interest of children when designing/developing such online service, product, or feature.

Impact

If passed, H7632 will have substantial ramifications for state laws regarding commercial and online conduct. It would impose stricter regulations on digital architecture targeting children, enhancing the legal obligation of businesses that provide online services. Entities operating in this space will be required to implement age verification processes, configure privacy settings favoring higher protection for children, and ensure that data handling practices do not infringe on minors' privacy. These changes may lead companies to reconsider their data collection practices and marketing strategies to align with the new requirements, further supporting a paradigm shift toward child-centric online experiences.

Summary

House Bill H7632, also known as the Age-Appropriate Design Code, was introduced to establish guidelines for online service providers concerning how they design products that may be accessed by children. It mandates that any covered entity responsible for online services or products must prioritize the best interests of children in their design process. This includes the necessity for conducting comprehensive data protection impact assessments to identify potential risks and ensure reasonable care is exercised to prevent harm to children online. The bill places a strong emphasis on creating safer digital environments for minors, in light of increasing concerns regarding exploitation and data privacy challenges that children face online.

Contention

Nevertheless, the bill has faced criticism from various stakeholders. Concerns have been raised about the increased regulatory burden it places on businesses, particularly smaller entities that may struggle to comply with the stringent requirements outlined in the bill. Supporters argue it is essential for protecting children's welfare online while detractors fear it could stifle innovation and limit access to information and services for young users. The balance between safeguarding personal data and fostering an open digital marketplace is a crucial point of contention that will likely influence discussions as the bill progresses through legislative channels.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5830

Requires that any covered entity that develops/provides online services, products, or features that children are reasonably likely to access shall consider the best interest of children when designing/developing such online service, product, or feature.

RI S0903

Requires that any covered entity that develops/provides online services, products, or features that children are reasonably likely to access shall consider the best interest of children when designing/developing such online service, product, or feature.

RI H5347

Provides that all extended benefits offered by DCYF to foster children shall be extended to children placed in guardianship.

RI S0808

Provides that all extended benefits offered by DCYF to foster children shall be extended to children placed in guardianship.

RI S0671

Provides that any disaster response worker shall, in the course of their duties, be considered a state employee and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.

RI H5157

Provides that any disaster response worker shall, in the course of their duties, be considered a state employee and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.

RI S0190

Provides that in local educational agencies when over 45% of the children have a family income that is at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines then the student success factor will be 50% by the core instruction per-pupil amount.

RI H5978

Provides that in local educational agencies when over 45% of the children have a family income that is at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines then the student success factor will be 50% by the core instruction per-pupil amount.

RI H5249

Mandates that a cannabis dispensary display the signage warning that the consumption of marijuana and THC products during pregnancy poses risks to infant development.

RI H5268

Creates the home-fit dwelling units act to apply to all new construction of covered dwelling units to incorporate design features that provide safe and convenient use of to the greatest extent feasible, regardless of age or physical ability.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.