Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (Kid's Code)
Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (Kid's Code) in Maryland: challenged, effective October 1, 2024. Applies to $25M+ revenue OR 50K+ consumers/devices OR 50%+ revenue from sales AND reasonably likely to be accessed by children. Age range: Under 18. Default privacy settings for children
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Maryland |
|---|---|
| Category | Age-Appropriate Design Code |
| Status | challenged |
| Effective date | October 1, 2024 |
| Age range | Under 18 |
| Applies to | $25M+ revenue OR 50K+ consumers/devices OR 50%+ revenue from sales AND reasonably likely to be accessed by children |
Key requirements
- Default privacy settings for children
- Prohibits collecting minors' precise locations
- Data protection impact assessments
- Privacy by design requirements
Notes
Challenged by NetChoice (February 2025). Court denied Maryland's motion to dismiss November 24, 2025 (NetChoice v. Brown); case is in discovery. No injunction — the law remains in effect.
Frequently asked
What does Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (Kid's Code) require?
Default privacy settings for children Prohibits collecting minors' precise locations Data protection impact assessments Privacy by design requirements
Who must comply with Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (Kid's Code) in Maryland?
$25M+ revenue OR 50K+ consumers/devices OR 50%+ revenue from sales AND reasonably likely to be accessed by children
When does Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (Kid's Code) take effect and what is its status?
Effective October 1, 2024. Current status: challenged. Challenged by NetChoice (February 2025). Court denied Maryland's motion to dismiss November 24, 2025 (NetChoice v. Brown); case is in discovery. No injunction — the law remains in effect.
Related laws
| Law | Jurisdiction | Category | Status | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland Online Data Privacy Act | Maryland | Consumer Privacy | active | October 1, 2025 |
| California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (AB 2273) | California | Age-Appropriate Design Code | challenged | Partially active (April 2026) |
| Nebraska Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act (LB 504, amended by LB 838) | Nebraska | Age-Appropriate Design Code | active | January 1, 2026 (amended July 17, 2026) |
| New Jersey Kids Code Act (A 4015) | New Jersey | Age-Appropriate Design Code | pending | September 1, 2027 |
| South Carolina Age-Appropriate Code Design Act (H. 3431) | South Carolina | Age-Appropriate Design Code | challenged | February 5, 2026 |
| Vermont Age-Appropriate Design Code Act | Vermont | Age-Appropriate Design Code | challenged | January 1, 2027 |
Put it into practice
- Generate the policy: Maryland MODPA policy generator (generatepolicy.com)
- Buy the policy pack: State Privacy Law Checklist (cyberpolicy.shop)
- Build it yourself: 2026 US Privacy Program Workbook (ciso.diy)