Maryland House Bill HB254

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/25/23

Caption

Consumer Protection – Social Media Regulation and Safety for Children

Impact

One of the primary impacts of HB254 is the establishment of the Digital Citizenship Fund designed to support county boards in developing age-appropriate lessons on digital citizenship and social media safety. This fund will be particularly beneficial for educational institutions as it encourages the integration of digital safety education into curricula. By creating a structured approach to teaching children how to navigate digital spaces responsibly, the bill aims to promote awareness amongst minors regarding potential online risks.

Summary

House Bill 254, titled 'Consumer Protection – Social Media Regulation and Safety for Children', aims to enhance the safety and regulation of children's interactions on large social media platforms within the state. The bill mandates that large social media platforms must identify and remove accounts operated by unauthorized minors, defined as those under 13 years of age, and must delete all associated user data within 24 hours upon notification by a guardian. This legislative action recognizes the increasing concerns regarding children's safety and data privacy in an online environment.

Contention

While proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step toward safeguarding children in an increasingly digital age, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of implementation for large social media platforms. Critics raise points about parental responsibility and the effectiveness of such regulations in truly protecting minors without infringing on user privacy. Additionally, there may be pushback from social media companies regarding compliance costs and regulatory burdens imposed by the required identification and removal processes for underage users.