In the near future, we plan to introduce legislation to establish the Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age.

Technology is evolving at a pace that is leaving gaps in existing statutory framework to protect children online. Advances in artificial intelligence, social media platforms, algorithm-driven content and digital manipulation have created new and increasingly sophisticated risks to minors, including exploitation, exposure to harmful content, and psychological harm.

While the General Assembly has taken meaningful steps in recent sessions to address issues such as deepfakes, child sexual abuse material, and online safety there is a need to continually reevaluate our laws to ensure that they are updated to protect children.

Our legislation would direct the Joint State Government Commission to convene a task force, which would meet no less than once every two years, to review Pennsylvania’s existing statutes, assess emerging technologies, and identify statutory gaps in protections for children in the digital environment. The commission will issue a report and recommendation for action to the General Assembly.

In 2021, the General Assembly established a similar Task Force on Child Pornography, which examined deficiencies in existing law and recommended reforms, including updating terminology to align with national standards.

By establishing an ongoing review process, this legislation ensures that Pennsylvania’s laws keep pace with the digital age and that our statutes and policies are continually reevaluated, updated, and strengthened to close gaps and protect children.

Please consider co-sponsoring this important legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s commitment to protecting children in the digital age.