AR HB1726

Creates the Arkansas Kids Online Safety Act requiring covered platforms (online platforms, messaging apps, video streaming services targeted to minors) to take reasonable measures to prevent harms to minors including mental health disorders, addiction-like behaviors, bullying, sexual exploitation, and predatory marketing

Requires platforms to provide minors (16 and under) with default privacy-protective settings including options to limit communications, restrict personal data visibility, control personalized recommendation systems, and delete accounts; platforms must respond to harm reports within 10-21 days depending on platform size

Mandates parental tools allowing parents to view and manage privacy settings, restrict purchases, and monitor time spent on platforms; verifiable parental consent required for children 12 and under before initial platform use

Prohibits platforms from advertising narcotic drugs, tobacco, gambling, or alcohol to known minors and bans manipulative interface design that undermines user autonomy regarding safety controls

Establishes a 9-member Kids Online Safety Council within the Department of Commerce to identify emerging risks and recommend best practices; violations enforced by Attorney General under Deceptive Trade Practices Act with 90-day cure period; effective July 1, 2026