Technology (Online Safety)

HB 318 requires social media platforms to default to non-addictive content delivery systems for minors (residents of Alaska under 18) without parental permission. It bans targeted advertising, excessive data collection, public account visibility, and notifications during school hours or late at night (10 PM-7 AM) for minors, unless parents opt out. Parental consent for addictive features must be verifiable and privacy-protective. The law directly affects social media platforms operating in Alaska and empowers parents to control their minor children's online experience while prohibiting manipulative design practices.

HB 240 requires Alaska public school districts to adopt written policies prohibiting digital harassment and nonconsensual digital impersonation (defined as fake digital content that misrepresents an identifiable person to deceive others). These policies must be shared with students, parents, and staff, and school districts must report related incidents to the state education department annually. The bill also mandates that state-provided training materials include specific guidance on addressing these digital harms. It directly affects all Alaska school districts and their students by establishing clear standards for preventing and responding to online abuse.

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.