The proposed General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6857 seeks to enhance protections for minors using social media platforms by establishing specific requirements for operators of these platforms. Effective July 1, 2026, the bill introduces definitions for terms such as "covered minor," "covered operator," and "media item." It prohibits operators from allowing users under eighteen to access media items that are recommended or prioritized based on personal information without obtaining verifiable consent from a parent or guardian. Additionally, the bill mandates that operators implement reasonable age verification methods and restrict minors' access to certain features, including limiting usage to one hour per day and controlling notification settings.

Moreover, the bill includes provisions regarding the collection and use of age verification data, requiring that such information be deleted immediately after use unless necessary for compliance with federal or state laws. Operators must also publicly disclose information about their covered users annually, starting March 1, 2027. The legislation clarifies that it does not impose liability on operators for activities inconsistent with federal law and establishes that violations will be treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices, enforceable by the Attorney General. Overall, the bill aims to create a safer online environment for minors by regulating social media interactions and content access.