Summary
Stops social media companies from letting kids under 13 make accounts and stops them from using targeted algorithms on teens under 17.
What problem does this solve?
Many people are worried that social media is bad for the mental health of young people. This bill tries to fix this by setting age limits and controlling how content is shown to kids and teens.
Who does this affect?
- Children and teenagers under 17
- Social media companies
- Schools and school districts
What does this bill do?
Bans social media accounts for children under 13
Prohibits social media platforms from allowing anyone they know is under the age of 13 to create or keep an account. Requires them to close any existing accounts belonging to children.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 104
Header:
Prohibition on the use of personalized recommendation systems on children or teens
Stops algorithmic feeds for teens
Prevents social media platforms from using a user's personal information in a recommendation system if they know the user is between 13 and 16 years old.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 202
Header:
Updating the children's internet protection act to include social media platforms
Limits social media access in schools
Requires schools that get certain federal money for internet access to use filters that block students from getting on social media platforms using school networks or devices.
Deletes children's personal data
Requires a social media platform to delete all personal information it collected from a user if it closes their account for being under 13.
Allows users to get a copy of their data
Gives a user whose account is closed for being under 13 up to 90 days to ask for and receive a copy of all their personal information from the platform.
Gives enforcement power to states
Allows the attorney general of a state to sue social media companies on behalf of its residents for breaking these rules.
Clarifies no new data collection is required
States that social media platforms are not required to set up age-checking systems or collect any new personal information about a user's age that they don't already collect.
What is the real world impact?
•
Protects children from harmful online content
The main goal is to create a safer online world for young people. It addresses growing concerns from parents and experts about social media's negative effects on the mental and emotional health of children.
•
Could lead to widespread age verification online
While the bill says it doesn't require age verification, companies might start asking all users for age proof to avoid being sued. This could reduce online privacy for everyone, not just kids.
•
May be difficult to enforce
The bill relies on platforms knowing a user's age. Kids can easily lie about their age, which might make the rules hard to enforce without strict age-checking systems that the bill doesn't mandate.
When does this start?
The main rules for social media companies would start one year after the bill becomes law, while schools have a separate timeline to block social media.
Social media rules effective date
The rules banning users under 13 and limiting recommendation systems for teens will take effect one year after the bill is signed into law.
FCC rule changes for schools
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must update its rules for schools within 120 days of the bill becoming law.
School compliance timeline
Schools must certify they are working to block social media in the first year after the law passes and must be fully in compliance by the second year to continue receiving discounted internet services.