The Maryland Kids Code – What It Means for Kids’ Data Privacy

On April 6, 2024, the Maryland Kids Code Coalition welcomed the unanimous votes in both the House and Senate for the final passage of the Maryland Kids Code (HB 603/SB 571), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at safeguarding children and their data online.

Spearheaded by delegates Jared Solomon and C.T. Wilson, along with Senators Ben Kramer and Chris West, this legislation represents a significant stride towards protecting the digital privacy of Maryland’s youth.

Maryland Kids Code: Advocacy for a Safer Online Environment

Parent advocates Todd Minor Sr. and Mia Minor, founders of the Matthew E. Minor Awareness Foundation, expressed their satisfaction with the legislature’s action. They emphasized the importance of this legislation in preventing the exploitation of children’s data by tech giants and highlighted the emotional toll their families have endured as a result of such practices.

Pending Approval from Governor Wes Moore

With the bill now awaiting Governor Wes Moore’s signature, advocates are optimistic about its swift enactment into law, as there is significant bipartisan support garnered for the Kids Code, reflecting a collective commitment to prioritizing children’s online safety.

Broad Support from Various Organizations

Throughout the legislative process, numerous organizations rallied behind the Maryland Kids Code, recognizing its significance in enhancing online protections for children. Testimonies from esteemed bodies such as the Digital Harbor Foundation, the Free State PTA, and the Maryland Association of School Health Nurses underscored the widespread backing for this crucial legislation. Additionally, endorsements from reputable/trusted Maryland news outlets, like the Baltimore Sun, further underscored the broad consensus on the necessity of these protections.

The bill encompasses several key provisions aimed at bolstering children’s digital privacy rights and fostering a safer online environment. These include:

• Requiring Data Protection Impact Assessments: Entities offering online products likely to be accessed by children must complete a data protection impact assessment by April 1, 2026, under specified circumstances. This measure ensures that companies prioritize the privacy and security of children’s data.

• Implementing Privacy Protections: The legislation mandates certain privacy protections for online products, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children’s personal information from unauthorized access or exploitation.

• Prohibiting Harmful Data Practices: To mitigate potential risks, the Kids Code prohibits certain data collection and sharing practices that may compromise children’s privacy or expose them to online harm.

• Empowering Parental Monitoring: Parents or guardians are granted the authority to monitor their child’s online activity or location discreetly without alerting the child. This provision empowers parents to oversee their children’s digital interactions while respecting their privacy.

Holland Law Firm Stands for Children’s Data Protection

As staunch advocates for children’s rights and digital privacy, Holland Law Firm wholeheartedly supports the Maryland Kids Code. Our team of consumer protection lawyers recognizes the importance of safeguarding children from intrusive data collection practices that may pose risks to their safety and well-being. 

We commend the Maryland Legislature for prioritizing this critical issue and urge Governor Moore to swiftly sign the bill into law, setting a precedent for other states to follow suit in protecting children’s online privacy rights.

We’ll update our blog with follow-up news regarding the Maryland Kids’ Code as events come to pass.