A package of legislation has been introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly aimed at addressing online safety for minors in response to concerns about social media, gaming, and artificial intelligence. The bills seek to establish safeguards on platforms used by children, including social media, gaming, school devices and AI companions. They would impose mandates on technology companies with the hope of increasing child safety.

The bills aim to impose safeguards such as default disabled open chats, parental approval for financial transactions, restrictions on addictive features in school devices, age verification on social media with an under-18 prohibition, risk assessments by tech companies, and safety features for AI. Proponents argue these measures hold technology platforms accountable for design choices that can expose young users to harmful content and mental health risks.  Critics, however, contend that broad design mandates could chill protected speech, require invasive verification methods that erode user privacy,  lead to over-censorship by platforms seeking to avoid liability, and prove difficult to enforce effectively.

The Safe School Technology Act (2026-H 7895) Sponsored by Representative Caldwell, this bill establishes standards for devices provided to students by schools, and ensures the standards evolve alongside technology. It requires that schools ensure such devices and software are not enabled with features such as geolocation, addictive design features or access to adult strangers.

Age-Appropriate Design Code (2026-H 7632) Sponsored by Representative Cotter, this bill places a responsibility on Big Tech companies to take reasonable care to avoid any heightened risk of harm to children caused by their online services, products or features. It would require them to use design features to prevent harm or offensive intrusions into children’s privacy and discourages features that are designed to prolong children’s use. Sponsored in the Senate (2026-S 2406) by Senate President Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence).

Social Media Regulation Act (2026-H 7953) Sponsored by Representative Spears, this bill would require social media companies to verify their Rhode Island users’ ages, and prohibit use by those under 18. Violations by platforms would be punishable by civil penalties and subject to private lawsuits if they result in harm to individuals. Sponsored in the Senate (2026-S 2968) by Senator DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Tiverton, Newport).

Rhode Island Children’s Online Safety Act (­­2026-H 7746) Sponsored by Representative Caldwell, this bill would provide protections to children using online platforms by requiring platforms to turn off open chats by default for young users, and requires parent to approve children’s financial transactions on gaming and social media sites.

Use of Third-Party Digital Platforms in Public Education (2026-H 8345) Sponsored by Representative Caldwell, this bill establishes a legislative commission to study the use of third-party digital platforms in public education. Increased use of third-party digital platform technologies potentially give third-party vendors and providers great influence in the way education is delivered, but there has been little study of the impact and changes the use of these platforms might have on public education.

AI Companion Models (2026-H 7350) Sponsored by Representative Spears, this bill requires safety features for AI companion technology, including provisions addressing suicidal ideation, potential physical harm or financial harm to others expressed by a user. The act also requires notification that the AI companion does not have human emotions. Sponsored in the Senate (2026-S 2195) by Senator Urso (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket).

Reps. Tina L. Spears, D-Charlestown, Justine Caldwell, D-East Greenwich, and Megan L. Cotter, D-Exeter, unveiled the bills at a State House event. They were joined by Senate sponsors Sen. Louis P. DiPalma, D-Middletown, and Sen. Lori Urso, D-Pawtucket, along with representatives from the Office of the Attorney General and community advocates.