Governor Ned Lamont has signed a bipartisan bill into law in Connecticut, establishing comprehensive protections for youth online safety, regulating artificial intelligence, and launching initiatives to upskill the state's workforce for the digital economy.
The legislation, Public Act 26-15, mandates that social media companies verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors to access addictive algorithmic feeds. It also prohibits sending notifications to minors between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. and sets a default one-hour daily limit for personalized algorithmic content, all modifiable by parents. Companies must also annually disclose user statistics, including parental consent rates and average time spent on platforms.
Regarding artificial intelligence, the new law requires AI chatbot operators to implement protocols for detecting and responding to suicidal ideations or self-harm indicators. Additionally, it mandates employment disclosures, ensuring workers are notified when AI is used in hiring and other career-impacting decisions to combat potential discrimination.
“Increasingly, social media companies are taking advantage of kids, creating apps and algorithms that decrease their attention spans and drive them to become addicted,” Governor Lamont said. “We can no longer wait for Washington, D.C. to do the right thing and enact protections over these digital tools that give parents more control—it is time for the states to take action.” Attorney General William Tong added, “Connecticut is done waiting for the tech elites and Washington to do right by our families.”
To foster a responsible AI workforce and boost economic development, the bill promotes partnerships with state departments to connect residents to an AI Academy, equipping them with essential skills. It also establishes an AI regulatory sandbox program to encourage innovation with appropriate oversight, aiming to position Connecticut as a leader in safe and innovative AI use.