Connecticut House Bill HB06405

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/17
• Refer: 1/23/17

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Social Media Sites From Accessing A User's Personal Contact List To Engage In Unsolicited Advertising.

Impact

If passed, HB 6405 would amend section 42-288a of the general statutes to enforce stricter regulations on social media operations within the state. Specifically, it would require all platforms that operate in the state to seek user consent before accessing personal contact lists. This change is expected to have significant implications for how social media companies design their services, ensuring that user privacy takes precedence over marketing leverage.

Summary

House Bill 6405 aims to enhance the privacy of users on social media platforms by prohibiting these sites from accessing users' personal contact lists for the purpose of unsolicited advertising. The bill requires social media companies to provide an explicit 'opt-out' option, allowing users greater control over their personal information and how it is used, particularly in advertising contexts. This legislative initiative aligns with the growing trend of emphasizing consumer privacy rights in the digital era.

Contention

The proposed bill may encounter opposition from social media companies and marketing advocates who rely on contact list access for targeted marketing strategies. Proponents of the bill argue that this move is necessary to protect consumer privacy and prevent unauthorized solicitation. However, critics might argue that the requirement for an opt-out could reduce the effectiveness of social media marketing and constrain companies' abilities to reach potential customers efficiently.