H.B. No. 186 aims to prohibit children under the age of 18 from using social media platforms in Texas. The bill amends the definition of "social media platform" in the Business & Commerce Code to clarify that it does not include certain online services, such as those primarily for interactive gaming. Additionally, it introduces a new subchapter that establishes definitions related to account holders and children, and explicitly states that social media platforms must verify the age of users before allowing them to create accounts. The bill mandates that platforms must use reasonable methods for age verification and must delete any personal information collected during this process immediately after verification.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of social media companies regarding account management for minors. It requires companies to delete a child's account upon request from a verified parent or guardian and prohibits the retention of any personal information collected from the child's account. Violations of these provisions are classified as deceptive trade practices, subjecting the companies to enforcement actions by the consumer protection division of the attorney general's office. The new regulations will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to access to social media platforms starting January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: Commerce Code 120.001 (Commerce Code 120)
Engrossed: Commerce Code 120.001 (Commerce Code 120)
Senate Committee Report: Commerce Code 120.001 (Commerce Code 120)