This bill aims to enhance consumer protection by regulating the use of social media platforms for minors aged 15 and younger in Minnesota. It introduces new provisions that require social media platforms to prohibit minors under 14 from creating accounts and mandates the termination of existing accounts held by minors in this age group. For minors aged 14 and 15, parental consent is required for account creation, and similar termination rules apply if consent is not provided. The bill also stipulates that social media platforms must delete all personal information related to terminated accounts, unless legally required to retain it. Violations of these provisions are classified as unfair and deceptive trade practices, with penalties including civil fines and potential damages awarded to affected minors.

Additionally, the bill establishes requirements for anonymous age verification for websites that publish material harmful to minors. Commercial entities must implement age verification methods to ensure that individuals accessing such content are 18 years or older. Exceptions are made for bona fide news organizations and internet service providers. The attorney general is empowered to enforce these regulations, with the ability to impose civil penalties for violations. The bill emphasizes the protection of minors' personal information during the age verification process, ensuring that such data is not retained or misused. The provisions of this bill will take effect on August 1, 2024.