Wisconsin Senate Bill SB385

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/9/23
• Refer: 8/9/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Use of social media platforms by minors, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty. (FE)

Impact

The bill's implications extend to state statutes concerning the operation of social media platforms, especially regarding age-based restrictions and the responsibility of parents. If passed, SB385 will create stricter regulations for how social media companies handle accounts belonging to minors, potentially affecting their operational policies and compliance measures across the state. It introduces penalties, including daily forfeitures for violations, thus compelling companies to enhance their age verification processes and ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Summary

Senate Bill 385 aims to regulate the use of social media platforms by minors by instituting specific requirements for social media companies regarding youth accounts. Effective from August 1, 2024, the bill mandates that accounts established on or after January 1, 2019, must be classified as youth accounts, aligning with provisions that aim to ensure the safety and security of minors online. This includes limiting messaging capabilities, restricting visibility of accounts and information, and banning the collection of personal data from youth accounts. Additionally, the ability to access these accounts has been extended to parents, allowing them to oversee their children's online activities more closely.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB385 has highlighted concerns regarding privacy and the effectiveness of age verification methods. Critics argue that the bill may lead social media companies to implement overly intrusive verification processes that could infringe on personal privacy rights. There are also fears about the effectiveness of the bill in actually safeguarding minors, as some stakeholders believe that existing educational programs and parental awareness are potentially more effective than legislative measures. Additionally, the distinction between youth accounts and adult accounts must be carefully navigated to avoid unintended consequences, such as hindering minors' access to legitimate educational resources and online interactions.