Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association will testify before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet, and Cybersecurity today over concerns that H 4229/S 30 could severely restrict online expression, violate constitutional protections, and introduce new privacy and compliance risks.
While CCIA supports efforts to help families navigate social media and improve digital safety for children, H 4229/S 30 would require sweeping age verification mandates and restrictions on digital content that could unintentionally block access to beneficial online communities, educational tools, and support networks – particularly for marginalized users.
H 4229/S 30 raises serious legal and privacy concerns. Federal courts have struck down similar laws in other states for violating the First Amendment, because they limit free speech and force users to give up their anonymity online. The bill could also require websites to collect more personal data from both minors and adults, without clearly defining what counts as a “commercially reasonable” age verification method. That lack of clarity creates legal uncertainty and could especially burden small businesses that may not be able to afford expensive compliance tools.
The following statement can be attributed to Kyle Sepe, Northeast Regional State Policy Manager at CCIA:
“It’s critical that we protect children online, and one effective way to do that is by supporting voluntary tools like daily time limits and child-safe search that give parents more control over their child’s social media use. H 4229/S 30 requires age verification for all users, restricting young people’s access to supportive resources. The bill also risks exposing adults and minors to privacy risks and limiting their access to constitutionally protected speech. Rather than promoting safety, this bill could lead platforms to deny services to anyone under 18 and ultimately do more harm than good. We urge lawmakers to reject this legislation and instead work with stakeholders on practical approaches that empower parents and protect users of all ages.”
