The Arkansas Kids Online Safety Act is designed to improve the safety of minors on online platforms by establishing a comprehensive framework of responsibilities for these platforms. It introduces a new subchapter to the Arkansas Code, defining essential terms such as "child," "minor," "covered platform," and "personal data." The Act mandates that platforms implement reasonable measures to prevent harm to minors, including addressing issues like mental health disorders, compulsive usage, and online bullying. It also requires platforms to provide safeguards for minors, such as limiting communication, controlling personalized recommendations, and ensuring parental oversight. Additionally, the Act prohibits advertising certain products, like narcotics and alcohol, to minors and sets a timeline for platforms to respond to reports of harm.

The bill further enhances user control and transparency by mandating that covered platforms offer users the ability to opt out of specific features and modify their profiles. It requires platforms to disclose how their algorithms operate, particularly concerning minors, and allows users to switch between input-transparent and opaque algorithms. Smaller search engines with fewer than 1,000 employees are exempt from some requirements if they use a web index through a syndication contract. Violations by covered platforms will be treated as unfair or deceptive practices under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and the bill clarifies that platforms are not obligated to collect personal data regarding users' ages unless it is part of their normal business operations. Overall, the legislation aims to create a safer online environment for children by enhancing accountability and transparency among digital platforms.