United States of America: Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act (LB 504) was introduced to Nebraska Legislature

On 21 January 2025, the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act (LB 504) was introduced in the Nebraska Legislature. The Bill would impose regulatory obligations on covered online services that are reasonably likely to be accessed by individuals under 18. It would require such services to implement default privacy protections, limit data collection to what is strictly necessary, and prohibit targeted advertising to minors and the use of dark patterns. The Bill defines key terms such as “covered design features,” “precise geolocation information,” and “minor,” and would mandate that parental control tools be enabled by default for users known to be under 13. Violations would constitute deceptive trade practices and could result in civil penalties of up to USD 50’000 per violation. Covered online services would be required to appoint designated officers responsible for ensuring compliance. The Bill would enter into force on 1 January 2026 and contains severability provisions to preserve the remainder of the Act if any section were held invalid.