Arizona Enacts Law Shielding Children from Inappropriate Ads in Digital Apps

By Matthew Holloway |

Arizona has enacted a significant law aimed at protecting children from harmful advertisements in digital applications. Signed on Tuesday, this legislation mandates that applications targeting children implement measures to block inappropriate content.

The law defines inappropriate advertisements as those promoting violence, explicit language, sexual content, or substance use. It specifically affects apps directed at users aged 11 and younger, making compliance crucial for developers.

Sponsor Rep. Julie Willoughby emphasized the importance of this law, stating, “Parents should be able to trust that their children won’t be bombarded with adult-themed ads.” She highlighted the new regulations as a necessary response to the prevalence of harmful content in seemingly child-friendly apps, noting potential penalties for violations.

Starting January 1, 2026, developers failing to prevent such advertisements could face hefty civil penalties, reaching up to $100,000 per violation. The sheer volume of applications aimed at children raises the stakes for digital creators, as liabilities could be substantial.

The law, HB2195, garnered bipartisan support in the Arizona legislature, passing the House with a 48-11 vote and the Senate 16-9. It was signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs, known for her selective vetoes.

This legislation aligns with the House Republican Majority Plan, which focuses on enhancing the safety of young Arizonans and reinforcing parental rights through increased transparency and accountability on digital platforms.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for the latest updates, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.