Inside Vermont's New Age Appropriate Design Code Act (H 210)

Why Guardians and Policy Observers Are Closely Monitoring Vermont’s Latest Attempt to Safeguard Young Internet Users

On 12 February 2025, Vermont’s House of Representatives received a new Bill, known as the Age Appropriate Design Code Act (H 210). This proposal sets out to shield young internet users from privacy threats, intrusive data collection, and harmful design tactics.

If passed, it would shape how social media platforms and online services collect and treat minors’ personal data. This law has captured the attention of families, educators, and tech enthusiasts eager to see whether formal rules will improve online experiences for children.

Protecting Minors Through Stricter Safeguards

Supporters of the Bill highlight the broad scope of “sensitive data” in its text. Categories include biometric information, precise geolocation, medical details, and financial records.

By defining these areas so fully, Bill H 210 aims to ensure businesses are crystal clear about the nature and purpose of what they collect. It also insists on higher-privacy default settings for minors, such as hiding personal profiles from the public unless the user chooses otherwise.

Alongside these tougher privacy measures, the Act demands greater openness around how data is used. Companies handling children’s data would need to explain every relevant setting, the data gathered, and why it is needed. They would also be banned from certain practices that could trigger emotional distress or encourage excessive screen time in younger users.

The Bill further details a simple route for account deletion—allowing minors to cut ties with online services if they feel uncomfortable or if they simply want to clear their slate. Provisions call for fair treatment too, meaning platforms must not discriminate against minors based on identity or background.

Exceptions, Oversight, and Public Response

Not every organisation handling data will fall under these rules. Government departments, journalism efforts, and certain healthcare-related activities remain outside the Bill’s reach.

Lawmakers felt such carve-outs were vital to maintain the free flow of public information and essential services. Still, for platforms that cater to minors, the Act outlines a set of responsibilities that go beyond anything Vermont has tried before.

Many families see this as an important step towards safer online spaces. Questions remain, though, around how each platform will prove compliance and how readily minors can spot any hidden data grabs.

Critics also point out that while the Bill focuses on user privacy, it leaves room for healthy debate about the best ways to carry out age checks without spying on children or collecting even more personal data.

Anyone curious about the full text of the proposed legislation can find it on the Vermont General Assembly website: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.210.

The Bill has stirred broad discussions, prompting tech watchers to wonder if similar initiatives might crop up in other states. Even so, Vermont legislators are pressing ahead with H 210 in the hope of giving children more control over their digital interactions. Whether it becomes law or sparks further debate, Bill H 210 marks a moment when Vermont’s elected officials appear determined to set stronger standards for online privacy.