Bill > HB186

This bill proposes to prohibit children under 18 from using social media platforms in Texas, expanding the legal definition of "social media platform" and establishing strict age verification and account management requirements. The bill defines a social media platform as a public internet website or application that allows users to create accounts and communicate with each other, with specific exclusions for news sites, email services, and gaming platforms. Social media companies would be required to verify the age of potential account holders using commercially reasonable methods involving public or private transactional data, and must immediately delete any personal information used in the verification process. Parents or guardians can request the deletion of a child's account within 10 days, and social media companies must provide a verifiable means for such requests. The bill establishes enforcement mechanisms through the consumer protection division of the attorney general's office, treating violations as deceptive trade practices. Companies that knowingly fail to verify user ages, allow children to use their platforms, misuse personal information, or fail to remove accounts upon request would be subject to potential legal action. The provisions would take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply to social media platform access starting January 1, 2026.