Social media, individuals under 16 years of age prohibited from creating accounts, age verification required, penalties for violations established

HB 235 prohibits social media platforms from allowing users under 16 years old to create accounts, effective January 1, 2026. It requires platforms to implement a reasonable age verification process for all new account sign-ups. Violations - such as knowingly allowing under-16 accounts - would be treated as deceptive trade practices, subjecting platforms to civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, enforced by Alabama’s Attorney General. The bill directly affects minors under 16 and social media companies operating in Alabama.