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Texas is on the verge of enacting a groundbreaking law that could reshape the social media landscape for young people. A bill proposing a ban on social media access for anyone under the age of 18 has advanced through the Senate committee and is now awaiting a critical vote in the Texas State Senate.
With the legislative session concluding on June 2nd, time is of the essence. The bill faces a tight deadline to secure approval from both the Senate and the governor’s office.
The proposed legislation builds upon earlier progress, having successfully navigated the House committee stage and subsequently receiving a favorable vote from the Texas House of Representatives. If enacted, the law would mandate social media platforms to implement age verification systems for all new account creations, mirroring existing regulations for websites hosting adult content.
Furthermore, the bill empowers parents to request the deletion of their child’s social media accounts. Platforms would be required to comply with such requests within a 10-day timeframe, or risk facing financial penalties imposed by the state’s attorney general.
Texas is not alone in its pursuit of stricter social media regulations. Florida has already implemented a law banning social media use for individuals under 14, while requiring parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. However, the Texas bill proposes a more comprehensive ban, impacting a broader age group.
At the federal level, a bill aimed at banning social media platforms for children under 13 was introduced in the US Senate in April 2024. Although it stalled in committee, recent statements from Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) suggest a renewed push to pass similar legislation.
The outcome of the Texas bill could have significant implications for social media companies, families, and the way young people engage with online platforms. Stay tuned for further updates as this legislation progresses through the Texas Senate.