Bill > SB5708

This bill aims to protect minors from potentially harmful online experiences by establishing new regulations for "addictive internet-based services or applications" in Washington state. The bill defines an "addictive feed" as online platforms that recommend content to users based on their personal information, and requires operators of such services to estimate the age of users with reasonable certainty. Key provisions include mandating that operators cannot provide an addictive feed to minors after January 1, 2026, unless they have determined the user is not a minor, and restricting push notifications to minors during school hours and late-night hours without parental consent. The bill also requires these platforms to provide users with mechanisms to control their experience, such as limiting daily usage time, hiding likes, using a non-personalized feed, and setting accounts to private mode. Additionally, the bill declares that compliance with these regulations does not protect operators from potential legal claims related to harm to a minor's mental health, and violations will be considered unfair trade practices under Washington's consumer protection act. Importantly, the bill will become null and void if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5708&Year=2025&Initiative=false