Signal New Jersey signs bill package strengthening online protections for minors

Summary

New Jersey's governor signed a package of three bills aimed at strengthening online protections for minors and addressing the youth mental health crisis. The centerpiece measure, the New Jersey Kids Code Act, requires online service providers to apply the highest level of privacy settings to minors by default. The package also establishes a Social Media Research Center at a state higher-education institution. The center will study strategies for reducing harmful and addictive online behavior among young people. With the signing, New Jersey joins a growing list of US states that have enacted youth online-safety legislation.