Ark. Passes Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act
Lawmakers in the state legislature approved the bipartisan Arkansas Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act Tuesday and the measure now heads to the governor's desk for signature. HB-1717 is modeled after the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) 2.0 (see 2503040037), and would ban tech companies from collecting, retaining and disclosing minors' data, except in a few situations.
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"We've seen lots of novel [Age Appropriate Design Codes], addictive feed bills, and social media age verification bills in the states, but I believe this is the FIRST state to pass a bill that largely replicates COPPA 2.0," said Bailey Sanchex, deputy director at the Future of Privacy Forum. "Is this a more durable approach to kids privacy and online safety that will avoid legal challenges? Maybe!"
The bill "creates privacy protections for teens and places restrictions on targeted advertising for kids and teens," she said. If the governor signs it, the measure would become law July 1, 2026.