Trade: business practices; regulation of social media use by minors; provide for. Creates new act.
The bill stipulates that social media companies must implement certain standards for minor accounts, including restrictions on visibility in search results, limitations on targeted advertisements, and usage policies that include a 10:30 PM to 6:30 AM access prohibition for minor accounts. These measures are designed to mitigate potential risks minors face on social media and help enforce a level of parental control over their digital interactions.
House Bill 5920, also known as the Social Media Regulation Act, aims to impose stringent requirements on social media companies regarding the accounts of minors. It establishes mandatory age verification processes and mandates that parental consent is obtained before a minor can open or maintain an account on social media platforms. This legislation seeks to enhance the safety of children online by ensuring that parents have oversight of their children's social media activities and reduce the risks associated with minors accessing potentially harmful content.
Notably, the bill includes civil sanctions for non-compliance, which could see social media companies facing fines of up to $2,500 per violation. It also declares any contract provisions that limit the rights of consumers under this act as void and unenforceable, sparking debate on whether this might lead to increased legal exposure for social media companies. Critics of the bill argue that while protecting minors is essential, the regulations might impose excessive obligations on companies, potentially impacting their operational viability.
Implementation of the bill requires social media companies to not only verify ages but also ensure compliance with the outlined requirements within 180 days of the act's effective date. These provisions are part of a broader initiative to enhance regulations surrounding online interactions for minors, creating a framework that could serve as a model for similar legislation in other states.