The South Carolina Social Media Regulation Act aims to enhance the safety of minors on social media platforms by imposing specific requirements on social media companies. The bill mandates that these companies verify the age of account holders, particularly ensuring that minors under the age of sixteen cannot create accounts without parental consent. It outlines acceptable methods for obtaining this consent and prohibits minors from being contacted directly by adults unless they are already connected on the platform. Additionally, the bill requires social media companies to implement measures to protect minor account holders from harmful content and to report any violations to law enforcement.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the South Carolina Office of the Attorney General as the authority responsible for receiving complaints, investigating violations, and enforcing the regulations set forth in the act. It allows for a private right of action, enabling individuals to sue for non-compliance, and mandates the development of educational programs on online safety for students. The act also includes provisions to ensure that any collected information is used solely for compliance purposes and must be securely disposed of afterward. The law is set to take effect on March 1, 2027, following approval by the Governor.