Bill > H5209

This bill, the South Carolina Social Media Regulation Act, mandates that social media companies, defined as entities providing an interactive computer service with at least five million global account holders, must implement commercially reasonable efforts to verify the age of South Carolina account holders, particularly those under sixteen, referred to as "minors." For minors, parental or guardian consent is required to create an account, with several acceptable methods outlined for obtaining this consent. The bill also imposes specific requirements for social media platforms concerning minor account holders, including prohibiting unsolicited direct messages from adults, limiting advertising based on personal information, and requiring efforts to filter harmful content such as incitement to violence or self-harm, and depictions of sexual conduct. Furthermore, social media companies must provide parents with tools to supervise their minor's account, such as viewing privacy settings and setting time limits. The Attorney General's office is empowered to receive and investigate complaints, and individuals are granted a private right of action to sue non-compliant companies, potentially recovering attorney fees and damages. Finally, the Department of Education is tasked with developing educational programs for students in grades six through twelve on online safety, covering topics like the negative effects of social media, manipulation, privacy risks, cyberbullying, and predatory behavior.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=5209&session=126&summary=B