Today, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed the Vermont Kids Code, S.69, into law, after being passed by the State Senate and House earlier this year. The bill – supported by Accountable Tech, Design It For Us, and youth activists from across the country – requires online platforms to prioritize the health, safety, and privacy of children over their profits, including the collection and sale of intimate user data, manipulative design, and profiling.

Accountable Tech Co-Founder and Executive Director Nicole Gill released the following statement:

“Today, Vermont distinguished itself as a national leader in the fight to protect kids online. This bill is a crucial step towards securing a future in which the internet is fundamentally designed around the best interests of young people.

The Vermont Kids Code requires tech companies to implement privacy-by-default and safety-by-design protections, ending pervasive data collection and manipulative design practices. This is a massive victory for Vermont families who have fought tirelessly to secure fundamental privacy and safety protections for their children.

We applaud the courageous leadership of the elected officials who championed this vital legislation despite intense pressure from Silicon Valley. Their commitment to putting people over profit sends a powerful message that elected officials can and must stand up to Big Tech.”

###