Protecting Minors Online and Match Group’s Pay-to-Play Allegations

Introduction:

Welcome to Fair Monday! We know Mondays can be a bit rough, so we created Fair Monday to bring you weekly insights and resources on dark patterns and digital fairness. Each Monday, we share updates on the latest developments, helping you stay informed and empowered to create a fairer, more transparent digital space.

This Week's Highlights:

1. Maryland’s Kids Code for Online Protection
   Maryland is awaiting the governor’s signature on the Maryland Kids Code, a groundbreaking law to safeguard minors (under 18 years old) online. The law requires companies to prioritize children’s privacy and safety, marking a significant step in protecting young users in the digital space.
   Read more
2. Vermont’s Proposed Age-Appropriate Design Code
   The Vermont Senate Bill S.289, introduced in January 2024, aims to establish an age-appropriate design code for online services accessed by minors. Key provisions include:
   • Processing children’s data in their best interest.
   • Conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA) for online services targeting minors.
   • Using clear, age-appropriate language and user interfaces.
     If passed, this legislation would go into effect on July 1, 2024, setting new standards for protecting young users.
     Read more
3. Class Action Lawsuit Against Match Group
   On February 14, 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed against Match Group, the parent company of Tinder and Hinge. The suit alleges that Match Group designed these apps to foster addictive behavior, using undisclosed algorithms and features to keep users in a pay-to-play cycle. The claims include false advertising, deceptive design practices, and intentional user manipulation.
   Read more

Fairpatterns and Amurabi: Protecting Minors Online

At Fairpatterns and Amurabi, we’re actively working to enhance protections for minors online. With the internet and social media serving as the modern playground, striking the right balance between empowerment and safety is critical.

Key principles include:
✅ Transparency as a core obligation, not a nice-to-have.
✅ Age assurance mechanisms as enablers for growth, not blockers.
✅ Using plain language, accessible design, and just-in-time information to help kids and teens navigate safely.
✅ A user experience that resonates with young audiences while protecting them from harmful content and targeted advertising.

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Conclusion:

This week’s developments, from Maryland’s Kids Code to Vermont’s proposed legislation and Match Group’s legal challenges, underscore the urgency of creating fair and transparent online spaces for all users, especially minors. At Fairpatterns, we’re committed to driving these changes through insights, advocacy, and solutions.

Let’s continue striving for #DigitalFairness and #Transparency. Have a fantastic week with Fair Monday!