Bill > HB1479

This bill updates Pennsylvania laws related to protection from abuse and protection of victims of sexual violence by adding new provisions about social media interactions. The bill introduces specific definitions for terms like "post," "social media platform," and "user," focusing on internet-based services that allow social interactions. Under the new law, courts can now include provisions in protection orders that prohibit defendants from accessing, utilizing, or posting on social media platforms as part of protecting victims. The definitions specify that a social media platform must have a substantial function of connecting users for social interaction and allow users to create profiles, connect with other users, and post viewable content. The bill also modifies existing statutes in Titles 23 and 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to incorporate these new social media-related restrictions, giving courts more flexibility in crafting protection orders that address potential digital harassment or abuse. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing a contemporary legal framework for addressing technology-enabled forms of harassment and abuse.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1479