HARRISBURG -Three state senators plan to introduce legislation to establish the Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. Advances in artificial intelligence, social media platforms, algorithm-driven content, and digital manipulation have created new and increasingly sophisticated risks to minors, including exploitation, exposure to harmful content, and psychological harm. While state lawmakers have taken steps to address issues such as deepfakes, child sexual abuse material, and online safety, there is a need to continually reevaluate laws to ensure that they are updated to protect children. The proposal from Senators Scott Martin, Tracy Pennycuick, and Wayne Langerholc would direct the Joint State Government Commission to convene a task force to review PA’s existing statutes, assess emerging technologies, and identify statutory gaps in protections for children in the digital environment. The commission will issue a report and recommendations to lawmakers in order for statutes and policies to be continually reevaluated, updated, and strengthened to close gaps and protect children. A co-sponsorship memo seeking support of the proposal is being circulated.
SEN. WAYNE LANGERHOLC
SEN. TRACY PENNYCUICK
SEN. SCOTT MARTIN