House approves bill regulating social media use by minors

Protecting minors from exploitation and exposure

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Members of the Kentucky House of Representatives voted 94-0 to approve HB 463, legislation aimed at protecting minors from exploitation and exposure to obscene materials as a result of their social media presence. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Dietz.

“Children on social media face risks like cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, privacy violations, addiction, and exploitation by predators. Supervision and education are crucial for their safe online navigation, but social media platforms have an obligation to ensure they’re used appropriately,” Dietz said.

Dietz shared that various individuals and organizations, including child psychologists, educators, parents, and government officials, have criticized the use of social media by minors due to concerns about its impact on mental health, privacy, and safety. The use of social media by minors has garnered criticism and concern by pediatricians, educators, and led the U.S. Surgeon General to issue an advisory warning about it last year.

HB 463 would require social media companies and other digital service providers to make users register their age in order to create an account. The bill’s provisions would require platforms and social media companies to create parental tools that allow a parent or guardian to control privacy settings, monitor use, and limit the amount of time their minor child spends on the platform. In addition, parents and guardians would have the ability to deactivate their child’s account temporarily or permanently. The measure also includes a provision that requires companies to develop internal controls with respect to certain materials and minors.

HB 463 also requires social media companies to limit the use and collection of identifying information; prohibit financial transactions; share, disclose or sell the user’s personal information; collect the user’s precise location; or display targeted information.

For more information about HB 463 or the work of the Kentucky General Assembly, visit legislature.ky.gov.