HB0311S03 | Social Media Usage Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill regulates social media companies and the use and design of social media platforms.

Highlighted Provisions: 

12          This bill:
13          ▸     defines terms;
14          ▸     enacts the Utah Social Media Regulation Act;
15          ▸     provides that a contract entered into by a minor by means of an interactive computer
16     service is invalid unless the minor's parent or legal guardian consents to the
17     contract;
18          ▸     prohibits a social media company from using a design or feature that the company
19     knows causes a minor to have an addiction to a social media platform;
20          ▸     grants the Division of Consumer Protection enforcement and auditing authority to
21     enforce requirements under the act;
22          ▸     authorizes a private right of action to collect attorney fees and damages from a
23     social media company for harm incurred by a minor's use of the company's social
24     media platform;
25          ▸     creates a rebuttable presumption that harm and causation occurred in some

Bill Details
Year: 
2023
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2023
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 44
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

The purpose is to keep children safe online and in social media. Research shows that the logarithms of social media companies are harmful and can be addictive by causing dopamine dumps in the adolescent brain. Also, children can be exposed to pornography and other harmful material on social media. The U.S. Surgeon General says 13 is 'too early' to join social media because they are still "developing their identity." Also in the journal "The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, found that social media may harm girls' mental health by increasing their exposure to bullying and reducing their sleep and physical exercise.

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for laws, policies, and technology development which protects children and youth from surveillance capitalism, persuasive technology, and logarithms which encourage addictive usage of social media, and be it further

 

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

4. SAFETY. Support funding to strengthen school safety measures including upgrading school buildings to be safe and secure, safety training and educating families and communities on school safety policies, children’s online safety, and evaluating digital threats to schools in Utah.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

From National PTA Resolution: Increase awareness of the impact of social media, television, video games, music and movie violence on the children of this nation and encourage development of programs to assist families and children in using critical viewing skills.