Social Media Control in IT Act
The bill will amend Chapter 75 of the North Carolina General Statutes to include stricter guidelines on how personal data is collected, used, and shared by social media platforms. It aims to limit manipulative design practices that exploit psychological vulnerabilities, thus potentially reducing instances of negative mental health outcomes linked to social media use. By requiring enhanced privacy measures for minors, the legislation seeks to create a safer online environment for younger users, resulting in substantial changes to how social media platforms operate within the state.
House Bill 860, known as the Social Media Control in IT Act, aims to address social media addiction and protect users' privacy, specifically focusing on minors. The bill requires social media platforms to respect the data privacy rights of North Carolina users, prohibiting the use of minors' data for advertising and algorithmic recommendations. It establishes a framework for consent and provides users with rights regarding their digital experiences on these platforms, calling for stronger default privacy settings harmful to minors.
The sentiment around House Bill 860 appears to be proactively supportive, largely among its sponsors and advocates for children's rights and mental health. While supporters believe it will offer essential protection for vulnerable users, some critics express concerns about the operational impact on social media platforms, worried that excessive regulations might stifle innovation or access to information. Nevertheless, proponents emphasize the necessity of safeguarding children in an increasingly digital world.
One of the notable points of contention in the discussions surrounding HB 860 is the balance between user protection and the operational capabilities of social media platforms. Opponents argue that while the intention of protecting minors is commendable, the practical implications might compromise the functionality and user engagement that social media provides. There are also discussions on how the data privacy task force will enforce compliance, and whether the anticipated controls will be effective or overly burdensome for businesses, raising questions about the implementation of such sweeping changes.