The Texas House of Representatives has passed a bill that would impose new restrictions on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Lawmakers said they want to protect kids from some of the harmful effects that can come from too much time on social media.
"Our kids are unquestionably suffering from many harmful effects of over-exposure to digital platforms through increased rates of self-harm, suicide, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, human trafficking and other mental health issues," said State Rep. Shelby Slawson, R-Stephenville.
She is the author of House Bill 18, which she called the SCOPE (Securing Children Online Through Parental Empowerment) Act.
The bill would block companies from setting up accounts for kids unless they get approval from a parent or guardian.
"When there's a known minor these companies will have to enter into an agreement with the parent - a verified parent - and obtain that parent's consent that allows the child on to that platform," Rep. Slawson said. "These are kids who are under 18 years old. We don't let them enter into any other contracts, we're not going to in this circumstance."
The bill would also improve privacy protections for kids that use social media accounts.
"They have to allow a parent to enable the highest privacy settings for our kids. They have to allow a parent to prevent data collection...except as it is absolutely necessary to operate the platform. You've got to give the parent the ability to prevent that data being shared, sold, or transferred for other valuable consideration," Rep. Slawson said. "You have to allow a parent to prevent these platforms from tracking our kids using geo-location devices to know where our kids are at. You have to allow parents to turn off targeted advertising."
The bill passed the Texas House by a wide margin. It now goes to the Texas Senate for consideration.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD