H.B. No. 4456 introduces a new subchapter to the Business & Commerce Code that mandates social media platforms to verify the age of account holders. The bill defines key terms such as "account holder" and "child," with the latter referring to individuals under 18 years of age. It requires platforms to implement commercially reasonable methods for age verification, utilizing public or private data, and restricts the use of personal information obtained during this process solely for verification purposes. Additionally, platforms must delete this information immediately after the verification is completed.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of social media platforms regarding the removal of accounts for minors. Upon receiving a verified request from a parent or guardian, platforms must delete the child's account and cease any further use of their personal information within ten days. Violations of these requirements are classified as deceptive trade practices, subjecting the platforms to enforcement actions by the attorney general's consumer protection division. The provisions of this subchapter will take effect on January 1, 2026, with the overall act becoming effective on September 1, 2025.

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