Omidyar Network applauds Nebraska’s passage of the Age‑Appropriate Online Design Code

Omidyar Network today celebrated Governor Jim Pillen’s signing of Nebraska’s LB504, the Age‑Appropriate Online Design Code Act, following its decisive 42–7 bipartisan passage in the Unicameral Legislature. The new law, which will take effect January 1, 2026, requires technology and social media companies to build privacy‑by‑default and safety‑by‑design protections for children into their products.

We have always believed that legislative and design reforms can help create healthier online spaces for everyone, especially children,” said Mike Kubzansky, CEO of Omidyar Network. “By enacting a thoughtful, values‑driven design code, Governor Pillen, Senator Bosn, and the Nebraska Legislature have put parents and children first and set an example other states—and Congress—should follow. This victory proves that smart, child‑centered tech policy unites Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike.”

LB504 empowers parents to manage privacy and account settings, restricts manipulative features that drive excessive screen time, and gives state authorities new tools to protect children’s well‑being online. The measure was part of a broader package championed by Governor Pillen to reduce the harms of social‑media and smartphone overuse.

We celebrate Nebraska’s leadership in protecting kids online. By making safety‑by‑design the standard, lawmakers have lifted the burden from parents’ shoulders. Thanks to the hard work of families, kids can now look forward to building and enjoying safer, creative online spaces, ” said Michele L. Jawando, President of Omidyar Network.

Omidyar Network supports groups like the Kids Code Coalition, which works to protect the safety and well-being of young people through every stage of tech product design. The Nebraska Kids Code Coalition was instrumental in advocating for passage of LB504. Omidyar Network has previously lauded similar efforts that have passed in California and Maryland.