Pennsylvania’s state House of Representatives passed legislation that aims to regulate how online social media platforms interact with children. The bill would require platforms to allow users to report hateful conduct and would require users under 18 to obtain parental consent. The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Brian Munroe, noted that similar age-related restrictions are already in place for activities like watching movies or driving. The bill faces opposition from tech industry groups, including the Computer and Communications Industry Association, which raised concerns about potential infringement on users’ ability to access online expression and data privacy issues.
The bill passed the House nearly along party lines, with 10 Republicans joining most Democrats in support, while seven Democrats sided with most Republicans against the bill. The legislation now faces an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled state Senate, and it may also be challenged in federal court or before the U.S. Supreme Court. Similar laws in other states have faced legal challenges, with some being blocked by federal judges. The bill’s provision regarding “hateful conduct” is based on a law from New York that is currently blocked in federal court, raising questions about the potential effectiveness of similar provisions at the state level.
Tech companies such as Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, have argued that they already have parental supervision tools and other measures in place to ensure that teens have age-appropriate online experiences. They also utilize algorithms to filter out harmful content. The legislation has been criticized for potentially limiting access to online expression and posing data privacy and security concerns related to verifying a user’s age and parental relationship. Despite opposition from industry groups, the bill’s sponsor maintains that parents and children are seeking greater regulation of online platforms to protect young users from harmful activities.
Last year, Utah became the first state to pass laws requiring minors to obtain parental consent before using social media, a move that was challenged in federal court by the trade group NetChoice. Federal judges have also halted laws in Arkansas and California that sought to regulate social media companies in relation to children’s online activities. The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments regarding challenges to state laws in Florida and Texas that aim to regulate social media platforms by preventing censorship based on user viewpoints. While the specific details of these laws vary, they all seek to address concerns surrounding the influence and impact of social media on children and young users. The ongoing legal battles and debates surrounding these laws reflect the complex and evolving landscape of online regulation and protection for minors.
