Legislation to require social media companies to verify a user’s age advances from a Senate committee. Covington Senator Patrick McMath’s bill would restrict a minor’s use unless there’s parental consent. McMath said former social media employees have testified about the danger of algorithms, they once developed, have on juveniles.
“These platforms are harmful and are doing active harm to these developing minds. Selfishly I have four kids, my youngest is not yet nine, they’re not on social media yet,” said McMath.
McMath said the increase in cyberbullying and teen suicides is related to the use of social media.
Monroe Senator Jay Morris applauded McMath’s legislation and acknowledged that the bill would need to be amended in the future due to technological advances. And it’s not only children, Morris said social media creators have made use of their platforms extremely addictive.
“I’m sure some kids will prevail upon an older brother or sister to help them try to circumvent the law at some point, but we’ve got to start somewhere,” said Morris.
Kouri Marshall with the Chamber of Progress, a trade group that represents technology companies, spoke in opposition because the bill undercuts the privacy of every social media user in an effort to protect children.
“The only way for a social media company to verify the age of any user, is to effectively verify the age of every user online,” said Marshall.
Marshall also noted in states, for example, California, Utah, and Arkansas, that have passed similar legislation are all being challenged in court.
Larry Murray with Tech Net, a network of technology CEOs and executives, also spoke in opposition and said adding age verification is not as simple as one would think, but he is willing to consult with lawmakers about the process.
“I do trust Senator McMath completely that he will work with us, it’s just difficult to work out complex things like this during a session. It’s just not a simple bill,” said Murray.
Senate Bill 162 with amendments passed in committee without opposition and advances to the Senate floor.
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