Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB960

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/26
• Refer: 1/29/26
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

Requiring social media platforms to provide mental health warnings and providing a penalty.

Impact

The bill aims to directly impact how social media companies communicate potential mental health issues to users. By enforcing mental health warnings, it seeks to create a safer online environment that acknowledges users' well-being. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, in collaboration with the Department of Health Services, will develop guidelines for these warning labels. This regulation could set a precedent for future laws aiming to enhance user protection and could influence how other states approach mental health warnings in digital communications.

Summary

Assembly Bill 960 mandates that social media platforms provide conspicuous mental health warning labels each time users access their services. The legislation aims to raise awareness about the potential negative impacts of social media on mental health. When a user accesses a platform, this label must remain visible until the user exits the platform or acknowledges the warning and continues. This initiative emphasizes the importance of mental health resources by requiring platforms to specify access to various support services, including crisis hotlines.

Contention

While proponents argue that this bill is a necessary step in protecting users from the adverse effects of social media, opponents may raise concerns regarding the burdens this regulation places on social media platforms. Issues include potential implementation challenges and the freedom of platforms to design user interfaces. Critics might argue that the requirement to display warnings could deter users or be seen as an overreach in regulatory measures that may limit engagement with certain platforms. Balancing mental health awareness with user experience presents a significant challenge as this legislation progresses.