Technology (Online Safety)

Creates the Digital Age Assurance Act. Provides that specified manufacturers shall take commercially reasonable and technically feasible steps to, upon activation of a device, determine or estimate the age of the device's primary user and provide websites, applications, application stores, and online services with a digital signal regarding the user's age. Sets forth requirements for any website, application, or online service that makes available mature content. Provides that a website, application, or online service with actual knowledge that a user is under 18 years of age shall, to the extent commercially reasonable and technically feasible, provide readily available features for parents or guardians to support a minor with respect to the minor's use of the website, application, or online service. Provides that specified manufacturers shall comply with the Act in a nondiscriminatory manner. Provides that the Attorney General may commence a civil action to enforce the provisions of the Act. Sets forth provisions concerning civil actions. Limits home rule. Effective January 1, 2026.

Creates the Digital Age Assurance Act. Provides that an operating system provider shall: (1) provide an accessible interface at account setup that requires an account holder to indicate the birth date or age of the user of that device for the purpose of providing a signal regarding the user's age bracket to applications available in a covered application store; and (2) provide a developer who has requested a signal with respect to a particular user with a digital signal by a reasonably consistent real-time application programming interface that identifies, at a minimum, which age bracket pertains to the user. Provides that a developer that receives a signal in accordance with the Act shall be deemed to have actual knowledge of the age range of the user to whom that signal pertains across all platforms of the application and points of access of the application. Limits the use of data collected under the Act. Provides that a person that violates the Act shall be subject to an injunction and a specified civil penalty. Sets forth provisions concerning nondiscrimination and the scope of the Act. Effective January 1, 2027.

Recognizes the work of organizations such as the Illinois Judges Association in educating our youth, parents, and schools about remaining safe and vigilant in the rapidly changing online environment of today and seeks to expand this essential online safety education to all students, parents, and schools in our State. Recognizes the value of collaboration between elementary and secondary schools in Illinois and the Illinois Judges Association, community organizations, and similar entities to provide comprehensive online safety education to all students, parents, and educators. Supports school districts and organizations in efforts to provide online safety to students, parents, and educators of elementary and secondary schools in Illinois.

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to establish the State Instructional Technology Advisory Board, which shall collaborate with the State Board of Education to provide guidance, integration, oversight, and evaluation of education technologies, including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence technologies. Sets forth the membership of the Advisory Board and terms. Requires the State Board, with the Advisory Board, to develop standards concerning safety, transparency, data privacy, and educational quality for any artificial intelligence technology that may be used in schools and develop guidance for school districts and educators on the use of artificial intelligence in education and the development of artificial intelligence literacy. Requires the annual school district report to the State Board regarding educational technology capacity and policies to include how students, teachers, and district employees use artificial intelligence. Provides that the Internet safety education curriculum shall include instruction in the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.