The proposed bill, known as the "Social Media Children Protection Act," aims to establish age verification and consent requirements for residents of Michigan when opening and using social media accounts. Starting June 30, 2026, social media companies will be required to verify the age of applicants and obtain explicit parental consent if the applicant is a minor (under 16 years of age). If an existing account holder is found to be a minor, the company must also confirm parental consent within 14 days of the account holder's first attempt to access their account. The bill also mandates that social media companies provide parents with tools to supervise their minor children's accounts, including viewing privacy settings and setting time restrictions.
Additionally, the bill outlines civil sanctions for violations, allowing the attorney general to investigate reported infractions and impose fines of up to $1,000 for each violation, or up to $25,000 for persistent violations. It also declares any contractual provisions that attempt to waive protections or requirements outlined in the act as void and unenforceable. The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting minors in the digital space while ensuring that parental oversight is facilitated through the social media platforms.