The proposed bill, known as the "Social Media Regulation Act," aims to establish age verification and consent requirements for residents of Michigan when opening and using social media accounts, particularly for minors. It mandates that social media companies verify the age of applicants and obtain explicit consent from a parent or guardian if the applicant is a minor. Additionally, the bill outlines specific standards for minor accounts, including restrictions on visibility in search results, limitations on targeted content, and access controls during certain hours. The Attorney General is tasked with implementing rules for compliance and handling complaints related to violations of the act.
Furthermore, the bill prescribes civil sanctions for non-compliance, allowing the Attorney General to initiate civil actions against violators, which may result in fines, actual damages, or other forms of relief. It also includes provisions that render any contractual agreements that waive protections or rights under this act void and unenforceable. The Attorney General is required to submit an annual report to the legislature evaluating the act's effectiveness and providing insights into consumer interactions and enforcement efforts.