OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – The effort to regulate youth access to social media in Oklahoma gained traction in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Monday.
The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 1275 with a 64-30 vote.
HB 1275, written by Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, and Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, requires social media companies to verify user age.
It also prohibits social media companies from allowing youths under 16 to have an account on their platform.
“We are trying to put some guardrails on social media access for our kids,” Caldwell said. “The research is abundantly clear about the incredible harm these types of products have on our young people, including a 150 percent increase in hospitalizations for self-harm and suicide attempts, as well as mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.
If the bill is signed into law, social media companies and platforms that violate the law would face a $2,500 fine per violation plus court costs, attorney fees and damages.
The bill also authorizes the Oklahoma attorney general to take legal action against violators.
Also, commercial entities would be prohibited from collecting or sharing a minor’s personal or location information.
“The state has a compelling interest to protect the youth of Oklahoma. This is much like we’ve done when it comes to restricting other addictive substances, such as tobacco or alcohol, or guarding access to things like pornography, gaming, and tattoos,” Caldwell said. “We want to combat the ills already done and to delay access to this content until a youth reaches an age where they can make a more informed and educated decision, understanding the risks of social media use.”
The legislation does not limit or censor content on social media platforms, according to Caldwell.
HB 1275 moves to the Senate for consideration.
