Protecting Minors on Social Media: NJ’s Bill Introduced
Are you a parent concerned about your child’s safety on social media platforms? Well, there’s good news for you!
A newly introduced bill in the New Jersey Senate aims to require age verification and parent or guardian consent for a minor’s use of social media platforms. This bill also prohibits certain messaging between adults and minors on these platforms. Let’s take a closer look at what this bill entails. The bill defines several key terms to ensure clarity and understanding. For example, an “account holder” refers to an individual who has or creates an account or profile on a social media platform. “Adding” refers to the interaction between two separate social media accounts, allowing them to view each other’s posts and potentially enabling direct messaging. The “Director” refers to the Division of Consumer Affairs Director in the Department of Law and Public Safety.
Under this bill, a social media company would be prohibited from allowing a New Jersey resident who is a minor to be an account holder on their platform without the express consent of a parent or guardian. To provide this consent, the parent or guardian must provide their government-issued identification and credit card information to the social media company. A small fee, capped at 35 cents, may be charged to the provided credit card.
Additionally, a social media company must verify the age of new and existing New Jersey account holders. If the account holder is a minor, the company must confirm that the minor has obtained express consent from their parent or guardian. Please meet the age verification requirements within the specified period to allow account access once verification is completed.
For a social media platform account held by a New Jersey minor, the social media company must prohibit direct messaging between the account and any adult user who is not linked to the account through adding on the platform. The company is also restricted from collecting or using personal information from the account except for data necessary to comply with state or federal law.
The Division of Consumer Affairs would handle the enforcement of this bill. The division would receive and investigate consumer complaints alleging violations and the Director would have the authority to impose civil penalties of up to $2,500 for each violation. The division may also initiate a civil action in the Superior Court to enforce the bill’s provisions.
Individuals would also have the right to act against a social media company that fails to comply with the bill’s provisions. If a court finds a violation, the individual may be entitled to reasonable attorney fees, court costs, and an amount equal to $2,500 per instance of a breach or actual damages incurred as a direct consequence.
Any waiver or limitation of the bill’s protections or requirements would be deemed void, and individuals would retain the right to cooperate with the division and file complaints or private actions.
The Division of Consumer Affairs would be required to submit an annual report evaluating its efforts to reduce minors’ unconsented use of social media platforms and enforce the bill’s provisions.
If you’re a parent in New Jersey, this bill aims to provide you with greater control and peace of mind regarding your child’s social media activities. Stay informed about the progress of this bill and its potential impact on the safety of minors on social media platforms.
