Senate Democrats Stand Up to Big Tech, Pass Stronger Online Protections for Young Michiganders

LANSING, Mich. (April 29, 2026) — Today, in a bold move to protect Michigan families, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bills (SBs) 757–760, Senate Democrats’ Kids Over Clicks package that would hold Big Tech companies accountable for unethical practices that prey on vulnerable users in the name of profit. Championed by Sens. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), this legislation would combat emerging risks associated with unfettered social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage among Michigan kids.

“Time and time again, Big Tech platforms have shown that they will always prioritize their bottom line over the safety of our children. That is unacceptable and exactly why my Senate colleagues and I passed the Kids Over Clicks package,” said Sen. Camilleri. “With this legislation, we’re standing up to massive tech companies and forcing them to put an end to the exploitative, dangerous, addictive feeds they use to keep our kids endlessly scrolling while they make a profit.”

SB 757, the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act, would prohibit social media platforms from providing addictive, personal data-driven feeds to minors unless parental consent is given.

“Let’s be clear: Big Tech’s exploitative and addictive algorithms have created a public health crisis affecting the mental and emotional well-being of an entire generation of our kids. And right now, parents are being asked to fight that battle without the tools they need,” said Sen. Hertel. “All the while, massive tech companies continue to grow their profit at our children’s expense. With our Kids Over Clicks package, we have the opportunity to change that and put parents back in the driver’s seat where they have the power to protect their kids online just as they do in the real world.”

SBs 758–759, the Kids Code Act, would mandate stricter data privacy and safety settings for minors on digital platforms, while also giving parents more control over their children’s online accounts.

“Big Tech companies know that children are incredibly vulnerable, yet continue to exploit them for profit and expose them to addictive feeds and a multitude of harmful content, leading to more anxiety, depression and sometimes even fatalities,” said Sen. Chang. “It is time that we give Michigan parents tangible avenues to protect their children from online danger. Holding these corporations accountable while prioritizing the safety and privacy of our kids is a no-brainer.”

SB 760, the Leading Ethical AI Development (LEAD) for Kids Act, would ensure that dangerous AI chatbots are inaccessible to children, including those that have the capability to encourage self-harming behaviors, illegal activities, sexually explicit interactions, etc.

“As our digital landscape continues to evolve, our internet safety parameters need to continue evolving as well,” said Sen. Polehanki, a former educator. “Keeping our kids safe from dangerous AI chatbots, data privacy abuses, and online exploitation is common sense, and I’m proud of our efforts to get these improved protections through the Senate.”

This legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration. To hear more personal stories, medical and legal perspectives, and statistics that underscore the need for this legislation, please click here.

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