A new law in Utah requires children and teens to obtain parental consent before joining social media platforms, making it the first state in the US to pass such legislation. Under-18s will need permission to use apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook and will face an overnight curfew unless adjusted by their parents.
Controversial Utah Bill Grants Parents Full Access to Kids’ Social Media Accounts
The controversial bill, signed Thursday, will take effect on March 1, 2024, and grants parents full access to their children’s accounts, including private messages.
A second bill, banning social media companies from using addictive features and making it easier for people to sue for damages, was also passed. Republican Governor Spencer Cox, who signed both bills, tweeted that they were no longer willing to let social media harm youths’ mental health.
The first bill requires social media platforms to conduct age checks for all Utah residents using or opening an account. Under-18s need parental consent, and their access is restricted between 10:30 pm and 06:30 am by default, adjustable by parents. The law also limits direct messages and blocks underage accounts from search results, while prohibiting data collection and targeted advertising for children.
Enforcement methods remain unclear, but the Utah government website states that violations may be reported to the Division of Consumer Protection, which could seek legal action or impose a $2,500 fine per infraction.
Similar bills are being considered in Arkansas, Texas, Ohio, Louisiana, and New Jersey, despite concerns from civil liberties advocacy groups that such legislation could put children at risk. Critics argue that children in abusive households or LGBTQ youth could be cut off from social media entirely.
