Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association is raising concerns about HB 318, legislation currently under consideration in the Alaska House that would regulate minors’ social media use. CCIA opposes the bill, citing its constitutional implications and potential impact on user privacy and digital services.
CCIA opposes HB 318, warning that the bill introduces significant constitutional, privacy, and operational challenges for both Alaska residents and businesses. While the association supports efforts to enhance online safety for minors, it notes the following concerns with HB 318:
- Required disclosures could violate the First Amendment by compelling companies to produce and share subjective internal assessments, a practice courts have found unconstitutional.
- Collection of sensitive personal information, including data used for age verification, undermines user privacy and increases risks of data breaches and identity theft.
- Potential location tracking requirements rely on vague standards and create compliance uncertainty while placing disproportionate burdens on smaller companies.
The following statement can be attributed to CCIA State Policy Manager, West Region, Aodhan Downey, who is testifying in opposition to the bill today:
“Alaska’s HB 318 creates serious constitutional issues while pushing companies toward collecting more sensitive data on users, including minors. That approach puts privacy at risk and exposes Alaskans to unnecessary security threats, without clear evidence it will make young people safer online. Vague and subjective standards only add to the problem, creating confusion for businesses trying to be in compliance and inviting inconsistent enforcement. Alaska lawmakers should take a more targeted path that strengthens protections without expanding surveillance or undermining access to information.”
