The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) is requesting changes to two proposed bills aimed at protecting children who use social media. The three-bill package, sponsored by Assemblywoman Andrea Katz (D-8), was advanced this week in the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
NJBIA has raised concerns about the potential impact of these bills on businesses that are not part of the social media industry. “These are well-intended bills that we just want to make sure don’t cause unintended consequences for businesses or organizations outside of the social media industry,” said NJBIA Policy Research Analyst Jack Ramirez, who testified in opposition to the bills.
Bill A-4013 would require certain social media platforms to display a black box warning about mental health risks when users log in, similar to warnings found on cigarette packages. The bill also mandates disclaimers regarding negative mental health impacts from using social media. NJBIA is seeking an exemption for internet service providers so that telecommunication and broadband services, as well as other non-social media organizations, would not be included under this legislation.
Bill A-4015, called the New Jersey Kids Code Act, would require service providers to protect minors’ personal information and change current data privacy laws, including how “personal data” and “sensitive data” are defined. NJBIA wants amendments clarifying what constitutes an online service and requests that email or direct messaging services not be classified as social platforms solely based on those features.
Additionally, NJBIA seeks a revised definition of “covered online service providers.” They propose it should apply only to entities that own or operate an online service, do business in New Jersey, generate most of their revenue from online services, control how consumers’ personal data is processed, and have gross annual revenue exceeding $25 million.
NJBIA represents private-sector employers throughout New Jersey across various sectors and is recognized as the nation’s largest statewide employer association (source). The organization supports its members by providing advocacy, essential information, partnerships with government entities and academic institutions, and cost-saving benefits (source). Michele Siekerka serves as president and chief executive officer (source).
