Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has expressed opposition to Colorado tech bill SB 158, citing concerns about its impact on children's online safety and privacy. The bill, which requires social media platforms to conduct age verification, has drawn criticism from the CCIA for potentially endangering children online and infringing on First Amendment rights.
In a statement, CCIA State Policy Director Khara Boender stated, "We share the goal of better protecting children online, but legislation like this raises First Amendment and privacy concerns." Boender highlighted the potential risks of collecting sensitive information, including geolocation data, about children and how it could compromise their safety.
SB 158 aims to hold social media companies accountable for age verification practices and mandates the disposal of user identifying data post-verification. However, the bill's dual requirements have raised concerns about compliance challenges and conflicts with standard privacy practices. Additionally, the age verification mandate could limit access to online information and hinder anonymous participation in online communities, particularly affecting individuals in marginalized communities.
In response to SB 158, Colorado is also considering another measure, SB 41, which offers a potential framework for protecting younger users without the same privacy and First Amendment implications.
As the debate over the bill continues, the CCIA urges Colorado lawmakers to carefully consider the potential negative consequences of SB 158 on children's online safety and privacy.
