Bill > HB232

This bill, known as the Youth Online Safety Act, aims to protect minors on digital platforms by establishing new regulations for social media platforms. It defines key terms such as "addictive feed" (content recommended based on user data), "minor" (under 18), "nonaddictive feed" (content shown chronologically or via search), "social media platform" (primarily connecting users, allowing content creation, and having over 500,000 unique monthly users in Kentucky), and "verifiable parental consent" (consent obtained through a method ensuring the provider is a parent or guardian). The bill prohibits social media platforms from providing minors with an addictive feed without verifiable parental consent, and requires them to offer a nonaddictive feed otherwise, without denying basic service if consent is withheld. It also prevents platforms from sending push notifications to minors between midnight and 6 a.m. without such consent. Furthermore, platforms must use reasonable methods to verify a user's age upon account creation, and any personal information collected for age verification or consent must not be used for other purposes like advertising and must be deleted or deidentified afterward. The bill also prohibits minors from making purchases or engaging in financial transactions without explicit, separate, and verifiable parental consent for each instance. Social media platforms will be required to develop and implement proactive strategies, including filtering technology, to prevent known minors from being exposed to harmful material, such as content promoting suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse, stalking, bullying, or harassment. The Office of the Attorney General will have enforcement power, with penalties of up to $5,000 for a first violation and up to $10,000 for subsequent violations, plus expenses. Parents or legal guardians will also have the right to sue platforms for harm caused by violations. The bill includes a severability clause, meaning if any part is found invalid, the rest will remain in effect, and it takes effect on January 1, 2027.

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https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb232.html