United States of America: Adopted Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act including Data Protection Regulation (HB 1126)

On 8 April 2024, the Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act was adopted by the Senate. The act places restrictions on the sharing, disclosure, or sale of personal identifying information of known minors by digital service providers. Collection of a minor's personal identifying information must be limited to information reasonably necessary to provide the service in question, and such information may only be used for the original purpose for which it was collected. Unless required by specific circumstances such as complying with legal inquiries or safeguarding the security of the digital service, providers are prohibited from sharing, disclosing, or selling data of known minors. Additionally, providers cannot use the digital service to collect precise geolocation data of known minors or display targeted advertising involving harmful material to them. If the Act becomes law after being sent to the Governor, it will enter into effect on 1 July 2024.