Iowa House Bill HF278

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/25
• Refer: 2/10/25

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 798.)

Impact

Upon enactment, HF278 will alter the operational protocols of social media companies operating in Iowa. Companies must implement processes to verify parental consent, and they will no longer be able to collect or retain data from minors without proper authorization. Additionally, parents will be granted access to their children's accounts, allowing them oversight of their children's online interactions, thereby enhancing family communication and accountability within the context of social media usage.

Summary

House File 278, also known as the Social Media Parental Authorization Act, introduces a regulatory framework requiring social media companies to obtain parental consent before allowing minors to create accounts on their platforms. The bill is driven by concerns over the safety and privacy of minors in digital spaces, aiming to empower parents with control over their children's online activities. By enforcing parental authorization, the bill seeks to mitigate incidents of cyberbullying, inappropriate content exposure, and data privacy issues related to minors.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions regarding its implications for user privacy and the operational burden it may create for social media companies. Proponents argue that it is a necessary measure to protect minors and give parents more authority and responsibility over their children's internet interactions. However, there are concerns about the feasibility of enforcing such requirements on platforms and the potential for creating barriers to access for young users who may benefit from engaging in social media responsibly.

Legal ramifications

HF278 also establishes provisions for enforcement, allowing the attorney general to pursue civil penalties against companies that violate the parental authorization requirements, with penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. Moreover, the bill permits harmed individuals to seek damages through civil actions, thus facilitating accountability and legal recourse for violations of minors' rights.