Minnesota Age-Appropriate Design Code Act created, obligations placed on certain businesses regarding children's consumer information, and attorney general enforcement provided.

The Minnesota Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (HF4511) is a proposed law aimed at protecting children's privacy and safety online. It requires businesses offering online products likely to be accessed by children to prioritize children's best interests over commercial interests. Key provisions include: conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) to evaluate privacy risks, setting high default privacy settings for children, providing clear and age-appropriate privacy information, and offering tools for children and parents to manage privacy settings and report concerns. The bill also restricts the use of manipulative design features that encourage excessive use. Enforcement would be handled by the state attorney general, with penalties for violations.

Supporters of HF4511 argue that it is a necessary step to safeguard children's online experiences. They highlight that the bill's requirements for businesses to prioritize children's privacy and safety, conduct thorough privacy risk assessments, and provide clear information empower parents and guardians to make informed decisions. The emphasis on high default privacy settings and tools for managing privacy is seen as a proactive approach to protecting children from potential online harms.

Critics of HF4511 express concerns about the potential burden on businesses, particularly smaller ones, to comply with the bill's requirements. They argue that conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments and adhering to stringent design and privacy standards could be resource-intensive. Additionally, some worry that the bill's broad definitions and applicability might lead to unintended consequences, such as limiting the availability of online content for children or stifling innovation in the digital space.