The proposed bill, S.B. No. 2025-2026, aims to enact section 1349.07 of the Revised Code, establishing requirements for application store-based parental controls to protect children under eighteen years of age. Starting January 1, 2026, developers must assess whether their applications are likely to be accessed by children and notify application stores accordingly. Additionally, manufacturers of devices and operating systems sold in Ohio must take reasonable steps to estimate the age of the primary user upon activation or after updates. The bill outlines specific responsibilities for application stores, including obtaining parental consent for users under sixteen and providing features that support parental supervision.
The legislation also includes provisions for enforcement by the attorney general, who can initiate civil actions against entities that violate these requirements. Covered entities are given a chance to rectify violations within a specified timeframe before facing penalties. The bill emphasizes that existing account controls may suffice if they meet the new standards, and it clarifies that no private right of action is created, reserving enforcement authority exclusively for the attorney general. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance child safety in digital environments by imposing clear obligations on developers and application stores.