Nebraska Law Limits Kids Screen Time on Social Platforms

Nebraska has taken a significant step to protect children’s mental health and online wellbeing by passing the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act (LB504), which will come into effect on January 1, 2026. This law targets social media platforms and other online services, requiring them to provide users—especially minors—with more control over how content is delivered and how much time they spend online.

At the core of the legislation is the mandate that platforms must allow users to opt out of recommendation algorithms, which have been linked to prolonged screen time and negative impacts on children’s development. Instead, users can choose a chronological feed, reducing the risk of addictive content loops. Additionally, platforms must offer options to limit notifications during school hours and nighttime, helping to minimize distractions and encourage healthier usage patterns.

The law also places stringent restrictions on data collection and user tracking for minors. Platforms are required to apply strict default privacy settings that collect only the minimum necessary data, block targeted advertising, and limit the use of manipulative design elements known as dark patterns. These measures aim to safeguard children’s privacy and reduce exposure to potentially harmful commercial content.

Nebraska’s approach follows similar laws passed in California and Maryland, though those states have faced legal challenges from NetChoice, a trade group representing major tech companies including Meta, Google, and Amazon. NetChoice argues that such laws may conflict with the First Amendment and existing federal regulations like COPPA, and has actively sued to block enforcement. Nebraska’s law, however, does not restrict the types of content accessible to children, which may affect the legal landscape differently.

Violations of the law could result in fines up to $50,000 per incident starting July 1, 2026, signaling Nebraska’s commitment to enforcing these protections. This legislation represents a growing trend among states to hold digital platforms accountable for the wellbeing of their youngest users, pushing the industry toward more ethical design and privacy practices.

Why This Matters for Tech Companies and Users

For developers and platform operators, Nebraska’s law means rethinking how algorithms are designed and how user data is handled, especially for minors. It challenges the status quo of engagement-driven recommendation systems by prioritizing user choice and mental health. For parents and guardians, it offers new tools to help manage children’s digital experiences more safely and transparently.

This law is part of a broader movement toward ethical digital design that respects user wellbeing and privacy. As more states consider similar measures, companies must stay agile and informed to navigate evolving regulations without compromising innovation or user trust.