In this article, we delve into Utah’s groundbreaking laws that limit children’s social media usage and require parental consent for sites such as TikTok and Instagram.
This marks a significant change in how technology companies are perceived, even by pro-business Republicans.
Key Takeaways:
Utah becomes the first state to enact laws restricting children’s social media usage.
The new laws require parental consent for kids to sign up on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
The legislation prohibits kids under 18 from using social media between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
Age verification for social media usage in Utah is now required.
Tech companies will have to prevent luring kids with addictive features.
Utah’s recent legislation is a testament to the changing perception of technology companies, particularly social media giants like Facebook and Google. Concerns over user privacy, hate speech, misinformation, and the impact on teens’ mental health have prompted lawmakers to take action.
Red states such as Arkansas, Texas, Ohio, and Louisiana are considering similar proposals, as well as New Jersey.
California has already enacted a law requiring tech companies to prioritize children’s safety by prohibiting data collection and usage that could physically or mentally harm them.
How states plan to enforce these new regulations remains unclear.
The federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act already bans data collection from children under 13 without parental consent.
However, kids can still easily bypass existing restrictions on social media platforms.
Children’s advocacy groups, such as Common Sense Media, generally welcome the new law, but they also express concerns about certain provisions.
The law that requires age verification and parental consent is not considered sufficient to address the core issue – children’s exposure to harmful data collection and design practices on social media platforms.
This legislation is part of Utah’s ongoing effort to protect children from the potential dangers of online content.
In the past, the state has called on tech companies to block explicit content on mobile devices, citing the risks it poses to children.
Utah’s new laws on social media usage and parental consent signify a growing concern for the well-being of children and teenagers online.
Set to take effect in March 2024, these regulations are likely to face legal challenges from tech companies, who argue that they infringe on First Amendment rights.
Nevertheless, the passage of such laws in Utah and other states reflects the increasing demand for greater accountability from social media platforms in safeguarding the mental health and safety of young users.
