Provides protections to children using online platforms by requiring platforms to turn off open chats by default for young users, and requires parent to approve children's financial transactions on gaming and social media sites.

Rhode Island Children's Online Safety Act – Plain English Summary

This bill would create new rules for online platforms — like social media apps and video games — to better protect children who use them. Specifically, it would require these platforms to automatically turn off open chat features for young users by default, meaning children could not freely communicate with strangers online unless that setting is deliberately changed. Rather than putting the burden on parents to find and adjust privacy settings, the platforms themselves would have to start in a more protective mode for younger users.

The bill would also require that any time a child wants to make a purchase on a gaming or social media platform — such as buying in-game items, upgrades, or other digital content — a parent or guardian would need to approve the transaction first. This is designed to prevent children from spending money online without parental knowledge or consent, which has become a common concern as many games and apps encourage in-app purchases.

These rules would affect companies that operate online platforms used by children, requiring them to change how their products work for younger audiences in Rhode Island. Families with children who use social media or online games would be the primary beneficiaries, as the bill aims to give parents more control and reduce risks like unwanted contact from strangers or unauthorized spending. The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House and referred to the House Innovation, Internet, & Technology Committee, where it is scheduled for a hearing.