Connecticut AG Investigates Online Safety for Children and Teens

Tong's office looks into multiple platforms for potential hazards under state's data privacy law

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced that the state is investigating several social media platforms to determine if local children and teens are safe online. Tong's office is actively looking into online messaging, gaming, and chatbots as part of enforcement of the Connecticut Data Privacy Act, which took effect in 2023 and expanded minors' privacy protections in 2024.

Why it matters

The Connecticut Data Privacy Act is one of the nation's first and strongest data privacy laws, giving the state's attorney general's office broad authority to investigate potential online risks to minors. This investigation highlights growing concerns about the safety and privacy of children and teens on various digital platforms.

The details

According to the report released by Tong's office, the ongoing investigations concern the safety of children and teens online across multiple platforms, including online messaging, gaming and chatbots. The report also details the office's broader privacy and data security efforts, including holding companies accountable for delayed and inadequate data breach notices and hidden consumer rights.

  • The Connecticut Data Privacy Act took effect in July 2023.
  • The act's expanded minors' privacy protections took effect locally in October 2024.
  • In 2025, Tong's office made progress on investigations, undertook enforcement actions and conducted outreach to bolster awareness and compliance.

The players

William Tong

The Connecticut Attorney General who announced the investigations into online safety for children and teens.

James Moroney

A Connecticut state senator who noted that while the state was one of the first to grant residents data privacy rights, there is still ample work to be done.

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What they’re saying

“Connecticut has one of the nation's first and strongest data privacy laws, and the Office of the Attorney General is active and aggressive in protecting our rights to privacy, security and safety online.”

— William Tong, Connecticut Attorney General (fox61.com)

“Too many of our residents' requests fall under one of the exemptions in the law, and the harms from companion chatbots were not anticipated four years ago when the original bill passed.”

— James Moroney, Connecticut State Senator (fox61.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the importance of strong data privacy laws and enforcement to protect children and teens from online risks, as the 'move fast and break things mantra of big tech' can be hazardous to community members.