This bill, called the Protection of Minors in the Digital Age Act, has three main parts. The first part makes rules to keep minors safe online. It requires online platforms to protect minors’ personal data and prevent online harm. The second part updates laws about reporting child sexual abuse material on the internet. It clarifies which internet services must report abuse and adds rules for keeping data while investigations happen. The third part changes the Criminal Code to make it illegal to create or share fake images of people in sexual situations and sets rules for online harassment and cybercrimes. The bill is designed to protect minors and improve how online safety is managed.
If you are a minor or a parent, this bill means online platforms like social media will have to do more to protect minors. Platforms must have safety controls and parental options to control how children use them. They must also report illegal content, like child sexual abuse material, to authorities. If platforms break these rules, they can face big fines. The bill also makes it a crime to create fake pictures or videos that pretend to show someone nude or in sexual acts without consent. It aims to reduce online harassment and ensure stronger privacy and safety measures for minors.
The bill does not include a specific fiscal note. Implementing new safety systems and oversight will likely cost online platforms and government agencies, but exact costs are unavailable. Fines for breaking the rules can reach up to twenty-five million dollars for large companies, which may act as a deterrent but also has financial implications for compliance. Data on total costs or savings is unavailable.
Supporters say the bill will make the internet safer for minors. They believe the new rules will help protect children’s privacy and reduce online harm, such as sexual exploitation and harassment. The bill’s clear safety controls, parental tools, and reporting requirements will help platforms find and remove harmful content faster. Fines and legal actions will encourage companies to follow best practices. Overall, supporters see this bill as a necessary step to adapt safety laws to the digital age and better protect minors online.
Opponents argue the rules may be hard for platforms to follow and could limit user freedom or privacy. They worry about the costs businesses will face, especially small companies, which might struggle to meet new standards. Some believe the measures could lead to over-censorship or excessive monitoring of online activities. There are also concerns that the laws may not be clear enough about how personal data is protected or how enforcement will be carried out. Opponents suggest that the bill might create new legal risks for online platforms without enough proven benefit.