CT lawmakers look to regulate tech
CT lawmakers look to regulate tech
Publish Date: 2026-02-06 05:08:00
Source Domain: www.courant.com
Connecticut lawmakers will be pushing to regulate the online activity of minors and better protect the data privacy of residents, Attorney General William Tong and state Sen. James Maroney, D-Milford, announced on Thursday.
During a morning press conference, the duo announced a number of measures that lawmakers will consider in the coming weeks. The discussion also included a review of the past year of enforcement actions taken under the Connecticut Data Privacy Act, a 2023 law that outlines consumer data protections and the responsibilities of certain groups that collect online data.
“If we don’t take action, and we just leave our information open to the dark web, there are very serious consequences for people here in Connecticut,” Tong said.
The press conference offered an early preview of legislation on online safety, data privacy, chatbot protections and more. Online privacy is a legislative priority this year, with several bills already introduced, including two bills put forward by Gov. Ned Lamont.
The latest effort comes as the applications of artificial intelligence technologies are rapidly expanding. State officials say ensuring that the technologies and platforms will not cause harm to state residents, children and minors in particular, is necessary.
“We have to make sure that children are protected under all of these laws, because they engage a great deal with not just companies, but also people online,” Tong said. “We want to make sure that they’re not exposed [to harm].”
It’s a daunting task, one that requires legislators to consider a number of issues, from chatbot use to generative AI prompts, biometric scans, and data tracking among others.
It’s also a highly charged one. Tong was visibly frustrated at times on Thursday as he described the need for better protections for children, criticizing companies that have been hesitant to provide safeguards.
Now, as the state tries to get its arms around the issue, lawmakers…
