Technology (Consumer Protection)

HB 2648, the Social Media and Telecommunications Fraud Accountability Act, requires social media platforms that accept payment for advertising to implement specific measures to prevent fraudulent ads, including verifying advertiser identities, detecting impersonation, and providing user reporting tools. It also prohibits falsely identifying caller names/numbers on telephone systems and bans using bank names without consent in electronic ads or solicitations. Social media platforms must publish quarterly reports on fraud incidents and remove reported fraudulent ads within 72 hours. Violations are deemed unconscionable under Kansas consumer law, subjecting violators to civil penalties of at least $10,000 per offense and allowing enforcement by the attorney general or private lawsuits.

SB 499 creates three new consumer protection laws in Kansas. It requires businesses with online services used by minors to assess and reduce risks of compulsive use (like addictive features), set privacy settings to the highest default for minors, and let consumers control their data. The bill also creates legal rights for people harmed by unauthorized digital replicas of their likeness and mandates transparency in chatbot interactions to prevent deceptive practices. These rules apply to businesses generating most revenue from online services likely accessed by minors, with enforcement by the attorney general.

HB 2118 requires private companies that charge fees to help consumers file or retrieve government documents (like birth certificates or business filings) to provide clear, upfront notices. Specifically, these companies must include a prominent disclaimer stating "This is not a government offer" in large text, provide their physical address (not a PO box), and list how consumers can access government services directly. Violating these requirements would be treated as a deceptive practice under Kansas consumer law, subject to penalties. The bill targets misleading advertising practices, ensuring consumers aren’t confused into thinking they’re dealing with government offices when using private services.