Iowa House Bill HF2255

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24
• Refer: 2/1/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to parental authorization for minors to create accounts on social media platforms, providing civil penalties, and including applicability provisions.(See HF 2523.)

Impact

If enacted, HF2255 would significantly impact state laws focused on digital privacy and the rights of minors. It empowers parents with tools to monitor and control their children's social media use, providing a means for them to access all of a minor's activity on these platforms. Additionally, the attorney general is authorized to bring action against social media companies that violate these provisions, with civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, thereby holding companies accountable for compliance.

Summary

House File 2255, known as the Social Media Parental Authorization Act, establishes requirements for social media companies regarding the creation of accounts by minors. The bill mandates that any social media company must obtain parental authorization prior to allowing a minor to create an account on its platform. This parental authorization can be obtained through written or digital means, and parents retain the right to revoke this authorization at any time. Furthermore, the bill prohibits companies from collecting data about minors without prior parental consent, enhancing the protection of minors online.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly concerning the balance between parental control and the autonomy of minors. Critics argue that while the intentions behind the bill may protect children, overly stringent regulations may hinder minors' freedoms and access to information online. Proponents assert that the protection of data privacy for minors is paramount, and this legislation is a necessary step to mitigate potential harm from unmonitored use of social media.