Introduction
Recent legislative developments in Nebraska focus on enhancing the safety and well-being of minors in digital and educational environments. These measures include new laws regulating social media account creation for minors and smartphone usage in schools, as well as proposed legislation targeting child exploitation through AI-generated content.
Description
Two new laws in Nebraska mandate that social media companies verify parental consent before allowing minors to create accounts [1], with age verification becoming a requirement for account registration. Violations of this mandate could result in fines of up to $2,500. Additionally, LB140 imposes restrictions on smartphone use in schools [1], requiring educational institutions to implement policies that limit cell phone usage. This ensures a consistent approach across districts while allowing exceptions for students with medical needs or emergencies [2]. The law, which received overwhelming bipartisan support with a vote of 48-1, will take effect before the 2025-2026 school year [2], contributing to a safer learning environment for children [2].
Furthermore, a proposed bill [1], LB383 [2], aims to strengthen protections against child exploitation by establishing prohibitions against AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and imposing enhanced penalties for violations classified as a Class IIA felony. The adoption of AI companion chatbots by minors raises concerns regarding their mental health [1], underscoring the need for regulatory measures in the digital landscape to safeguard children.
Conclusion
These legislative actions reflect Nebraska’s commitment to creating a safer environment for minors both online and in educational settings. By enforcing parental consent for social media accounts, regulating smartphone use in schools [1], and addressing the risks associated with AI-generated content, the state aims to protect children from potential harm and exploitation. These measures are expected to have significant positive impacts on the safety and well-being of young individuals in Nebraska.
References
[1] https://www.transparencycoalition.ai/news/nebraska-passes-two-bills-to-protect-kids-from-ai-and-social-media
[2] https://ago.nebraska.gov/two-bills-introduced-governor-pillen-and-attorney-general-hilgers-signed-law
