Maryland governor signs online data privacy bills

Governor Wes Moore (D-MD) signed two measures into law that are aimed at better protecting personal data online from Big Tech, including a bill making Maryland the second state to try to create strong limits on information collected on children. The measure, known as the Maryland Kids Code, seeks to limit data that could be collected from children online and protect them from being flooded with harmful material they were not trying to find. Supporters say the new law aimed at protecting children was crafted to withstand court challenges like one that halted a California law. For example, the measure incorporates case law and established consumer protection law. Design It For Us, a coalition advocating for safer social media and online platforms for children, praised the new law. Governor Moore also signed the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act of 2024. The new law will impose certain duties on businesses to protect an individual’s personal information.