Bill > S0929

This bill creates the Rhode Island Social Media Regulation Act, which establishes comprehensive restrictions on social media platform access for minors (individuals under 18). Starting January 1, 2026, social media companies with at least 5 million worldwide account holders will be required to obtain express parental or guardian consent before allowing a Rhode Island resident who is a minor to create or maintain an account. The bill mandates strict age verification processes, requires social media platforms to provide parents with account access and monitoring capabilities, and implements several protective measures such as prohibiting direct messaging for minors with non-friended users, blocking advertising, limiting personal data collection, and restricting account access during late night hours (10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.). The legislation empowers the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation to investigate complaints, enforce compliance through administrative fines up to $2,500 per violation, and allows for both departmental enforcement actions and private rights of action by aggrieved individuals. The bill also provides detailed definitions of social media platforms, exempting many specialized online services like educational platforms, professional networking sites, and communication tools from these restrictions, and includes provisions for investigating potential violations with a focus on protecting minors' online experiences.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/