Bill > HB5511

This bill, titled the Children's Social Media Safety Act, aims to protect minors online by requiring "covered manufacturers" (companies that make internet-enabled devices, operating systems, or app stores) to implement an age verification system at account setup by January 1, 2028. This system will require account holders to provide the primary user's birth date or age to generate an "age bracket data" signal, which is a non-personally identifiable age range (e.g., under 13, 13-15, 16-17, 18+), to "covered developers" (companies that own or control websites, apps, or online services). Covered manufacturers must provide a consistent way for developers to request this signal and can only share the minimum necessary information, not sharing it with third parties unless legally required. Furthermore, "covered operators" (companies that own or control websites, apps, or online services) are prohibited from offering their services in the state if they don't comply with specific provisions, including default privacy settings for users identified as minors, such as preventing unauthorized viewing of precise location information and restricting gifted currency transactions. The bill also makes it unlawful for "addictive social media platforms" (those with features that recommend content based on user data) to provide an "addictive feed" to minors without verifiable parental consent and restricts late-night notifications. Violations of this Act are considered unlawful practices under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, with enforcement powers granted to the Attorney General, and the bill becomes effective on January 1, 2027.