Accountable Tech Executive Director and Co-Founder Nicole Gill issued the following statement on Governor Phil Scott’s veto of the Vermont Data Privacy Act (H.121), which includes the Vermont Kids Code:
“Despite overwhelming approval by the General Assembly and support from Vermonters who recognize the urgent need for online safety and privacy, Governor Scott has chosen to side with the tech industry over protecting young people who are most vulnerable to social media’s harms. If enacted, the Vermont Kids Code would require Big Tech to adopt design features focused on privacy and safety so that children have a safer, more positive online experience. An override of the governor’s veto is not only necessary to secure a more just digital future for our children, but also critical in establishing accountability for Big Tech’s toxic business practices.”
Accountable Tech worked with the Vermont Kids Code coalition to advance the Vermont Kids Code unanimously through the Vermont State Legislature as a part of the Vermont Data Privacy Act. The coalition brought together young people, parents, educators, experts, and legislators to craft this legislation to best provide safety-by-design and privacy-by-default protections to Vermont youth and worked with Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark to ensure its constitutionality.
###
