Technology (Online Safety)

Nebraska's LB 1119 amends the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act to protect children and teens online. It directly affects major online platforms (like social media and games) that meet specific thresholds - such as having $25 million+ annual revenue or processing data for 50,000+ users. The bill prohibits "dark patterns" that exploit young users, including infinite scroll, auto-playing media, gamified rewards for excessive use, and deceptive notification tactics. It also clarifies that platforms must treat users under 18 as "covered minors" and prohibits using their data for targeted advertising without parental consent. The law applies to services accessible in Nebraska that process personal data of minors.

LB 504 would require large online platforms operating in Nebraska to avoid design features that encourage excessive use by minors under 18. It targets companies with over $25 million in annual revenue that handle data of 50,000+ users or derive 50% of revenue from data sales, prohibiting features like infinite scrolling, push notifications, in-game purchases, and appearance-altering filters when platforms know a user is a minor. The law also bans manipulative "dark pattern" interfaces that subvert user choice, as defined by the Federal Trade Commission. Platforms with fewer than 2% minor users are exempt from these requirements.