House Bill No. introduced by A. Regier and others establishes the "Social Media Youth Protection Act," aimed at enhancing the safety and privacy of minors using social media platforms. The bill mandates that social media companies implement an age-assurance system to verify the age of account holders and provide supervisory tools for minor users. It requires that default privacy settings prioritize maximum privacy for minors, restrict data collection, and limit features that encourage excessive use, such as autoplay and push notifications. Additionally, parental consent is required for any changes to data privacy settings, ensuring that minors' personal information is protected.
The bill outlines specific definitions related to social media services, minors, and adverse mental health outcomes, emphasizing the state's interest in safeguarding minors from the potential harms of social media. It includes provisions for penalties for violations and appropriates $25,000 for enforcement purposes. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, with a focus on ensuring that minors are not exposed to risks associated with algorithmically curated content and excessive social media use.