The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1295 is designed to enhance online safety for social media users, particularly focusing on preventing cyberbullying and promoting mental health resources. Effective October 1, 2025, the bill requires social media platform owners to establish an online safety center by January 1, 2026, which will provide resources to combat cyberbullying, information on reporting harmful behavior, and educational content about the effects of social media on mental health. Additionally, platform owners must create a cyberbullying policy outlining how reports will be managed. The bill also revises legal definitions related to minors' personal data, expanding the definition of "heightened risk of harm to minors" to include potential physical and mental health risks, while deleting previous language that did not cover these aspects.

Moreover, the bill imposes stricter regulations on online services and social media platforms to protect minors. It mandates that any service offered to minors must include safeguards against unsolicited adult communications, requiring a default setting to block such interactions. It also prohibits design features that could unduly increase minors' engagement with these services. Online service controllers are required to conduct data protection assessments to identify risks to minors and develop mitigation plans if necessary. The provisions of the bill aim to ensure responsible handling of minors' data and will take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 42-529