Late last year, California bill AB 2273 was passed into law. Also known as the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, this law will require that businesses—particularly tech and social media companies—evaluate how their product design harms children. What does this mean for parents and kids online?

The Legislation That Is Changing the Internet

Companies must now consider questions such as: Are children using the service able to lie about their ages? Are there addictive algorithms in place? Is there harmful targeted advertising? Does the company sell children’s data to unsafe contacts? If so, the company will face fines and other penalties.

A few weeks ago, two similar laws were passed in Utah, including a curfew when kids must stop using the internet. Other states may follow suit. All this new legislation could change the face of the internet as we know it—and it's hard to tell if it's for better or for worse.

How Do These Laws Affect Me? 

This is complex, controversial legislation. We can’t be sure how it will be enforced, or what the unforeseen consequences will be. For instance, will this result in invasive age-verification systems that actually put children’s privacy more at risk? 

Whatever the case may be, these effects will not be seen until at least 2024. I  However, you don’t have to wait for the government to step up—you can protect your children now with an advanced parental control system like Gryphon.

Keep Your Kids Safe With Gryphon Routers

Gryphon routers allow you to block addictive social media services like TikTok and Instagram. Plus, make sure your child doesn’t use screens for more than the recommended two hours a day with Screen Time Limits. Worried about the content your children are consuming? View their web browsing history or even their YouTube history. Allot a certain amount of time per day for specific apps and websites. 

Tech companies aren’t looking out for your kids. It’s their goal to keep young people on their devices for as long as possible. With Gryphon, you can be your family’s first line of defense. Keep your children safe from harmful apps and services today with Gryphon routers.