The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) raised concerns about a New Hampshire bill, SB 263, aimed at increasing online protections for children. The CCIA supports online safety for children but warned that the broad and vague language of the bill could have unintended consequences for speech, innovation, and access to digital services. The bill’s definitions are so expansive that they could potentially include a wide array of services not intended for children.
CCIA’s testimony emphasized that the bill’s provisions could be subject to subjective interpretations and inadvertently infringe on minors’ First Amendment rights. The introduction of a private right of action for parents, children, or a “next friend” could also lead to a wave of lawsuits, with the potential for misuse by unrelated individuals or organizations.
Megan Stokes, CCIA’s State Policy Director, expressed serious constitutional and practical concerns about SB 263, highlighting the risks of suppressing lawful speech, restricting access to information, and exposing developers to abusive litigation. CCIA urged lawmakers to consider more narrowly tailored approaches to protect children while upholding constitutional rights.
CCIA is an international, not-for-profit trade association that represents communications and technology firms, promoting open markets, systems, and networks. CCIA members employ over 1.6 million workers, invest billions in research and development, and contribute trillions of dollars to the global economy.
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