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.(Formerly HF 278.)
Impact
The bill aims to enhance the protection of minors by restricting the collection and retention of data unless parental consent is acquired. This represents a significant shift in how social media companies operate, particularly concerning privacy and safety measures for younger users. If enacted, it would establish clear guidelines and responsibilities for social media platforms, impacting a range of statutes relating to online privacy and parental rights within the digital landscape.
Summary
House File 798, known as the Social Media Parental Authorization Act, mandates that social media companies must obtain explicit parental authorization before allowing minors to create accounts on their platforms. This bill defines 'minors' as individuals under the age of eighteen residing in Iowa and outlines the requirements for parental consent, which can be either a written statement or digital authorization. Additionally, it requires companies to permit parents to revoke this authorization at any time, emphasizing ongoing parental engagement in the digital activities of their children.
Contention
Debates surrounding HF798 center on the balance between safeguarding children's online activities and the operational constraints placed on social media companies. Supporters argue that the bill provides much-needed protections for minors amid concerns over data privacy and exposure to inappropriate content. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the feasibility and implementation of such regulations, as well as potential implications for the accessibility of social media for younger demographics. The bill further allows the attorney general to pursue civil penalties for non-compliance, raising questions about enforcement and accountability.
Similar To
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.)
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. (Formerly HF 2255.)
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.)
A bill for an act relating to social media data collection regarding children under eighteen years of age, providing civil penalties, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HF 526.)
A bill for an act relating to the regulation of access to obscene material by minors on social media platforms, and including effective date provisions.
A bill for an act relating to parental consent regarding internet sites for users under the age of sixteen, providing civil penalties, and including applicability provisions.
A bill for an act relating to minors using the internet, including social media and internet safety instruction and education requirements in public schools and liability for publication of obscene material available to minors on the internet.(Formerly HF 2114.)
A bill for an act relating to social media users under eighteen years of age, making penalties applicable, and including applicability provisions.(See HF 712.)