H.210 is a proposed bill that establishes the Vermont Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, aimed at safeguarding minors from harmful design features in online services and products. It requires businesses whose online offerings are likely to be accessed by minors to follow specific guidelines to protect young users' safety and privacy. The bill introduces definitions related to personal data, age assurance, and various data processing types, including biometric and genetic data, to clarify the responsibilities of these businesses. It emphasizes the need for age assurance methods and outlines obligations regarding personal data handling, including prohibiting compulsive use that disrupts minors' daily activities.

The legislation also introduces comprehensive privacy protections for minors, defining "sensitive data" and establishing a minimum duty of care for businesses that process such data. It mandates that default privacy settings be set to the highest protection level and prohibits unnecessary data collection or retention. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce these provisions while ensuring that age assurance methods prioritize user privacy. The bill clarifies that it does not impose liability inconsistent with federal law and affirms that covered minors retain the right to independently search for or request media. Set to take effect on July 1, 2026, H.210 aims to enhance minors' online safety while preserving their rights and freedoms in the digital space.