Statement on Signing of the Children’s Social Media Safety Act in Illinois

SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2026 — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker today signed into law the Children's Social Media Safety Act, which protects children online by restricting addictive social media features. Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement on the signing of the bill:

"Common Sense Media loudly applauds Governor Pritzker and the Illinois legislature for their leadership in protecting our kids online.

"By limiting addictive design features, implementing age assurance that works, and requiring safety by default for minors, the Children's Social Media Safety Act is a critical step toward holding tech companies accountable for using our kids as guinea pigs for uncontrolled experiments that wreak havoc on their well-being.

"This is a major win for families in Illinois, but let's be clear: families all over the country have been demanding this kind of accountability for years. We urge all states to follow Illinois' example and enact these much-needed protections for children."

More information on the legislation can be found here.

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. We rate, educate, and advocate to protect and prepare kids online. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users globally, over 1.4 million educators, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year.