The "Stop Harm from Addictive Social Media (SHASM) Act" is designed to regulate social media platforms in South Carolina, particularly focusing on protecting minors from addictive features. The bill applies to platforms generating at least one billion dollars in annual revenue and mandates that they estimate and verify the age of account holders, especially those under seventeen. It requires these platforms to implement default privacy settings for child accounts, obtain verifiable parental consent before creating or modifying such accounts, and prohibits the presentation of addictive features or profile-based paid advertising to minors. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for terminating accounts if a child is found to be using the platform without parental consent.

The SHASM Act also establishes a private right of action for children or parents against platforms for violations, allowing for claims related to mental health and emotional distress. It includes a provision that any waiver of rights by a minor or their parent is deemed unlawful and void, ensuring that no court or arbitrator can enforce such waivers. Furthermore, the bill states that if any part of the act is found unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining sections will still be in effect, affirming the General Assembly's intent to enact the law in its entirety. The act will take effect upon receiving approval from the Governor.