More than 50 child advocacy organizations have joined together to form the Digital Childhood Alliance to urge lawmakers to help parents protect children online by passing new legislation that would prioritize children’s safety on apps.
The coalition is calling for the passage of the App Store Accountability Act across the country and represents a broad consensus among experts, parent advocates, and child protection groups who see the bill as critical for online youth safety.
“This is a turning point,” said Dawn Hawkins, senior advisor to the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE). “For years, app stores have turned a blind eye to child safety, allowing kids to download apps, enter into exploitative contracts they don’t understand, and share personal data—all without parental consent. Lawmakers now have a clear path forward, backed by a coalition of experts who agree: The App Store Accountability Act is vital to creating a safer online environment for American youth.”
The App Store Accountability Act is advancing in Utah and Alabama right now, with bills also introduced in Alaska, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Hawaii. Several other states are expected to introduce similar legislation in the coming months.
The App Store Accountability Act is designed to restore parental oversight, improve transparency, and hold app stores accountable for “misleading families,” according to a news release.
“The App Store Accountability Act brings us closer to a future where digital gatekeepers are held to the same standards as any responsible institution,” said Joel Thayer, President of the Digital Progress Institute. “Imagine if a bank let 14-year-olds take out high-interest loans, sign up for investment schemes, or connect with foreign business partners, while hiding the risks from parents. That would be unthinkable. But in the digital world, this is exactly what’s happening every day. It’s past time to hold app stores accountable.”
For more information about the Digital Childhood Alliance and the App Store Accountability Act, visit www.digitalchildhoodalliance.org.
Source: Digital Childhood Alliance
