Bill > H5295

This bill establishes new regulations for social media platforms concerning users under the age of 16, who are defined as "children" and Massachusetts residents under 16. Social media is defined as websites or internet mediums where users can create accounts, share user-generated content, and interact with content from others, excluding services primarily focused on videoconferencing, emailing, or education. The bill mandates that social media platforms must prevent individuals under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts and must take reasonable steps to enforce this age restriction. For existing accounts held by children under 16, platforms are required to terminate them. The creation of new accounts will require age verification through documentation like a birth certificate or government-issued ID, which will be a one-time process. Platforms must make reasonable efforts to verify the accuracy of this documentation but are prohibited from retaining copies of identification documents or using the information for any purpose other than age verification. The Attorney General will be responsible for enforcing these regulations and can take legal action against any violations.