The Arkansas Kids Online Safety Act aims to enhance the protection of minors in the digital space by establishing a regulatory framework for online platforms that cater to children. The Act introduces definitions for key terms such as "child," "covered platform," and "personal data," and mandates that these platforms implement reasonable measures to prevent harm to minors, including addressing mental health issues and exposure to harmful content. It requires platforms to provide safeguards such as limiting communication, controlling personalized recommendations, and ensuring parental oversight. Additionally, the Act emphasizes the importance of default settings that prioritize the safety and privacy of minors and prohibits advertising certain products, like narcotics and alcohol, to children.

The bill also establishes the Kids Online Safety Council within the Department of Commerce, which will consist of experts in various fields, including mental health and privacy, as well as parents and youth representatives. This council is tasked with identifying online risks to minors and recommending measures to mitigate these harms. Furthermore, the legislation introduces transparency requirements for platforms regarding their data practices and algorithm usage, allowing users to opt out of certain features and modify their profiles. It clarifies that platforms are not required to collect personal data about users' ages unless it is part of their existing practices and outlines compliance measures for video streaming services to protect minors. Overall, the Act seeks to create a safer online environment for children while empowering parents to take an active role in their children's online safety.