SB 50
AGE-APPROPRIATE DESIGN CODE
TL;DR
Illinois SB 50 would require online platforms likely to be accessed by minors to design their services with kids' safety and privacy as the default. It targets algorithmic recommendations, data collection, and design features (like autoplay and infinite scroll) that can harm young users, modeled after similar laws in California and the UK.
How This Might Impact Your Business
Online platforms (social media, gaming, streaming, edtech, retail apps) that are 'likely to be accessed' by anyone under 18 would face new design obligations, not just services explicitly aimed at kids.
High-privacy settings would need to be the default for minor users, meaning companies cannot rely on kids opting into data sharing or geolocation tracking.
AI-driven recommendation systems, targeted advertising, and engagement features (autoplay, push notifications, streaks) would face restrictions when used on minor accounts.
Companies would likely need to conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments before launching new features that could affect minors, similar to California's AADC requirements.
Age estimation or verification systems may become necessary, creating new vendor relationships and potential friction in user onboarding for all users, not just kids.
Enforcement typically falls to the state Attorney General with civil penalties per violation, which can stack quickly across user bases.
Bill is still in committee (re-referred to Assignments), so requirements and timelines could shift before any final version.
What Should You Do
Ask your product and legal teams whether your platform is 'likely to be accessed by minors,' even if kids are not your target audience, since this triggers compliance.
Inventory which features (recommendation algorithms, notifications, data collection defaults) would need to change for users under 18 and estimate engineering cost.
Review the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act and UK Children's Code, since IL SB 50 is modeled on these and will likely mirror their requirements.
Assign someone to track SB 50's movement out of the Assignments committee and flag any amendments that change scope or effective dates.
Start scoping age assurance vendors now if you do not already have an age verification solution in place.
Who It Affects
Status Timeline
committee
Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
April 11, 2025