H.B. No. 186 aims to prohibit children under the age of 18 from using social media platforms in Texas. The bill amends the Business & Commerce Code to define "social media platform" and introduces a new subchapter that establishes user age limitations. It specifies that social media platforms must verify the age of account holders, ensuring that children cannot enter into contracts or create accounts. Additionally, the bill mandates that personal information collected for age verification must be deleted immediately after the process is completed.

The legislation also outlines the responsibilities of social media companies regarding account management. Parents or guardians can request the deletion of their child's account, and companies must comply within ten days. Violations of these provisions are classified as deceptive trade practices, allowing for 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)