Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association is testifying before the New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee today to express concerns about SB 263, a bill that is aimed at increasing online protections for children, but could have unintended consequences for speech, innovation, and access to digital services.
While CCIA supports efforts to enhance online safety for children, the broad scope and vague language of SB 263 raise significant concerns. The bill’s definitions are expansive enough to include customer service bots, sale bots, and other automated systems designed for general information purposes, potentially sweeping in a wide array of services not intended for children.
In its testimony, CCIA warned that the bill’s vague provisions could be subject to highly subjective interpretations, and could inadvertently infringe on minors’ First Amendment rights by limiting their access to information and speech.
Additionally, the bill introduces a private right of action for parents, children, or a “next friend,” which could invite a wave of lawsuits. The lack of guardrails around who qualifies as a “next friend” opens the door for misuse by unrelated individuals or organizations, creating legal uncertainty.
The following statement can be attributed to Megan Stokes, State Policy Director for CCIA:
“CCIA shares the goal of increasing online safety for children, but SB 263 as written raises serious constitutional and practical concerns. Its vague standards and broad scope risk suppressing lawful speech, restricting access to information, and exposing developers to abusive litigation. We urge lawmakers to consider more narrowly tailored approaches that both protect children and uphold constitutional rights.”
