United States of America: Passed Protecting Youth from Social Media Addiction Act (SB 976)

On 20 May 2024, the Protecting Youth from Social Media Addiction Act (SB 976), aimed at protecting children from the dangers associated with social media addiction, was passed by the California Senate. The Bill would prohibit online platforms from sending an addictive social media feed to a minor without the consent of the youth's parent or guardian. It would also bar social media platforms from sending notifications to minors during overnight hours and the school day without parental or guardian consent. Under the Bill, the online platforms would be required to determine if the user is a minor and, if this is the case, obtain verifiable parental consent in order to provide an addictive feed to minors. Finally, the Bill specifies that online platforms can refuse to provide services to minors but cannot worsen product quality, degrade services, or raise prices for users or parents exercising their rights due to protections mandated by this Bill.