Bill > HB171

This bill, effective October 1, 2026, requires operators of "addictive social media platforms" (platforms that use algorithms to recommend or prioritize content, known as an "addictive feed") to implement a "reasonable age-verification method" or obtain verifiable parental consent to provide an "addictive feed" to users under 18 years old, referred to as "covered minors." The bill defines "addictive feed" as content recommended based on user data, with exceptions for certain user-initiated or direct communication content. Operators must also provide an "accessible user interface" allowing users to express preferences for recommended and blocked content, and are prohibited from sending notifications to covered minors between midnight and 6 a.m. Furthermore, operators must publicly disclose descriptions of their algorithmic systems, the data inputs used, and the "weights" (numerical settings influencing algorithm output) within their addictive feeds, as well as annual disclosures on how product teams are evaluated for addictive feed design. The Attorney General is authorized to enforce these provisions starting April 1, 2027, by first notifying operators of violations and giving them 30 days to remedy them, after which the Attorney General can seek injunctions, restitution, forfeiture of profits, damages, and civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. The bill also specifies that information collected for age verification or parental consent cannot be used for other purposes and must be deleted promptly, and that operators cannot penalize users by degrading services or increasing prices due to compliance with these age verification requirements or user preference settings.

Health and Social Services

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search