Protecting Children from Digital Dangers

As a mother of three children, Rebecca understands the very real dangers kids face online and has made protecting children from digital exploitation and harm a cornerstone of her work in the Assembly. She recognizes that while technology offers tremendous benefits, it also exposes our children to unprecedented risks – from predatory behavior and mental health crises to privacy violations and dangerous content. Rebecca has built a national reputation as a leader on online safety, authoring groundbreaking legislation that sets the standard for protecting children in the digital age.

Rebecca's comprehensive approach addresses the mental health crisis driven by social media addiction, the exploitation of children by AI technologies, the marketing of harmful products to minors, and the protection of children's personal data from corporate harvesting. She works closely with parents, mental health professionals, tech accountability advocates, and young people themselves to craft solutions that are both effective and practical.

Key Accomplishments:

• Social Media Warning Labels (AB 56) – Responding to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's call for action, required social media platforms to display mental health warning labels to users under 18

• Mental Health App Privacy (AB 2089) – Protected children and families by preventing mental health apps from harvesting and selling sensitive personal information to data brokers

• Banning Firearm Marketing to Children (AB 2571) – Partnered with Governor Newsom on priority legislation banning the marketing and advertising of firearms to children

• Tobacco Sales Protection (AB 2021) – Protected kids by raising penalties for online tobacco sellers who illegally sell tobacco products to people under age 21

• Age-Appropriate Pornography Access (AB 3080) – Supported legislation requiring age verification on pornography sites to prevent children's exposure to harmful content

• AI Chatbot Child Safety (AB 1064) – Received supermajority support in both houses; would have protected children from dangerous AI "companion" chatbots that manipulate children's emotions and encourage harmful behaviors including suicide and disordered eating

• Leading Ethical AI Development for Kids Act – Recently introduced legislation that would create an oversight board to regulate AI tools likely to be used by minors and require companies to report incidents

Rebecca believes that keeping children safe online requires constant vigilance and a willingness to stand up to powerful tech companies that prioritize profits over children's wellbeing.