Technology (Data Privacy)

This House Joint Resolution affirms Alaska's commitment to voter privacy and election integrity while expressing concern over the state's disclosure of confidential voter information to the U.S. Department of Justice. The resolution outlines specific voter data protected under state law, including social security numbers and residential addresses, and highlights that approximately 570,000 Alaskans' confidential information was sent to federal authorities after the Department of Justice requested it. It notes that three federal courts have rejected the Department of Justice's claims that state privacy laws are preempted by federal law, and emphasizes the state's lack of control over how the received data is used. The resolution calls attention to Alaska's unique vulnerabilities, including its large Alaska Native population and geographic challenges, which could make residents more susceptible to misuse of their personal information.

SB 262 requires social media platforms to prohibit users under 16 years old who are Alaska residents from creating accounts and to terminate existing accounts of such minors within 90 days (allowing time to dispute). It also bans platforms from using personal data of users under 18 for tailored content recommendations and mandates permanent deletion of terminated accounts' data. The law applies to platforms with at least 10% of daily active users under 18 spending two+ hours daily, plus features like endless scrolling or frequent notifications. Affected minors’ parents or guardians may sue for up to $10,000 in damages if platforms knowingly violate these rules.

HB 367 establishes Alaska's Consumer Personal Information Privacy Act, requiring businesses that collect personal data to notify consumers about what information is gathered, how it will be used, and provide opt-out rights for data sales. It mandates data brokers to register with the state and restricts the disclosure of social security numbers except in specific cases like government duties or financial transactions. The law makes unauthorized data sharing or misuse by businesses unfair trade practices, with enforcement under existing consumer protection rules. These provisions directly affect businesses operating in Alaska that handle consumer personal information.

HJR 28 is a resolution passed by the Alaska State Legislature calling on the U.S. Congress to enact the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 1748). It does not create new laws but urges federal action to protect minors under 17 from online risks like harmful content, addictive design, and excessive data collection. The resolution highlights that S. 1748 would require online platforms to implement default privacy settings, parental controls, and restrictions on targeting children with ads or data tracking. Alaska’s resolution directly affects children and teens using websites, apps, and social media by advocating for federal safeguards. This is a procedural resolution, not a policy change.