Bill > H301

This bill establishes comprehensive social media protections for minors under 16 in North Carolina by creating new regulations for social media platforms. The legislation requires platforms to verify the age of users and imposes strict guidelines for account creation and maintenance for minors: users under 14 are completely prohibited from having accounts and must have any existing accounts terminated within 30 days, while users between 14-15 can only have accounts with explicit parental consent. Social media platforms must implement either anonymous or standard age verification methods that protect users' personal information, ensuring no identifying data is retained or shared after verification. Platforms must also avoid certain potentially addictive features like infinite scrolling, push notifications, and auto-play videos for minor users. The North Carolina Department of Justice is empowered to enforce these regulations, with potential civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation and the ability to take legal action against non-compliant platforms. Violations are considered unfair trade practices, and platforms can be held liable for damages. The law is designed to be liberally interpreted to protect minors and will become effective on October 1, 2025, giving social media companies time to adapt to the new requirements.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H301