This bill introduces comprehensive regulations for social media platforms regarding accounts held by minors, specifically targeting children aged 15 and younger. It adds a new section to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 325M, defining key terms related to social media usage and mandating that platforms implement age estimation processes to verify user ages. Platforms are required to treat users as children unless they can confirm otherwise and are prohibited from creating accounts for children without verifiable parental consent. Additionally, all privacy settings for child accounts must default to the most private levels, and the use of addictive interface features and targeted paid advertising on these accounts is banned.

The legislation also establishes accountability measures for social media platforms, allowing children and parents to take legal action for violations, with potential recovery of actual damages or a minimum of $10,000 in statutory damages for reckless or knowing violations. It sets a three-year limitation period for civil actions, extendable until the child reaches 18, and classifies knowing or reckless violations as deceptive trade practices, empowering the attorney general to enforce these provisions. The new regulations will take effect on July 1, 2027, and will apply to accounts created before, on, or after that date.