Technology (Social Media)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 9, 2026

S 3164: An Act protecting children from addictive social media feeds

Senate, July 2, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill protecting children from addictive social media feeds (Senate, No. 30),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3116).

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill aims to protect children from addictive social media, aligning with consumer protection and digital rights within the technology sector.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 15, 2026

S 3175: An Act protecting children from addictive social media feeds

Senate, July 9, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill protecting children from addictive social media feeds (Senate, No. 3175) (being the text of Senate, No. 3164, printed as amended)

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects children from addictive social media feeds, regulating tech platforms for consumer safety and digital well-being.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SD 3759: An Act relative to youth social media safety

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Ryan C. Fattman for legislation relative to youth social media safety. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill aims to protect youth on social media platforms, enhancing digital safety and consumer protection for younger users.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 5, 2026

H 5061: An Act relative to advertising for justices of the peace

This bill updates advertising rules for justices of the peace in Massachusetts. It modernizes the language by replacing "his" with "their" for gender neutrality, adding "email address" to required contact details, and expanding permitted advertising channels to include digital platforms like social media, websites, and email. The changes directly affect justices of the peace who advertise their services, ensuring their public notices meet current communication standards. The bill makes no new policy requirements but aligns existing rules with contemporary media practices.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands permitted advertising to digital platforms (social media, websites, email), modernizing communication standards for justices of the peace.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3667: An Act relative to the free flow of information

This Massachusetts bill, the Free Flow of Information Act, protects journalists and their sources by prohibiting government entities from compelling disclosure of "protected information" (such as confidential sources or journalistic records) without a court order. It requires courts to find by a preponderance of evidence that disclosure is necessary to prevent terrorism or imminent violence before allowing such disclosure. The law also shields journalists' personal accounts and devices on covered service providers (like social media platforms) from compelled disclosure, mandating notice to the journalist and narrow tailoring of any court-ordered information. This law aims to safeguard journalistic integrity by limiting government access to sensitive materials while maintaining strict court oversight.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProtects journalist data privacy by restricting government access to sources and records without court order, aligning with data privacy safeguards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 452: An Act relative to fair hiring practices

SD 452 prohibits Massachusetts employers from discriminating against job applicants based on unemployment status, such as refusing to hire, screening, or advertising jobs that require current employment or disqualify the unemployed. It also bans employers from demanding personal social media or email passwords during hiring, except for specific investigations into security breaches or company data leaks. Exceptions allow employers to consider relevant work history or recent job experience as legitimate hiring factors. This law directly affects all Massachusetts employers and job seekers, aiming to reduce bias in hiring and protect personal digital privacy.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits unemployment-based hiring discrimination and bans social media password demands, directly protecting job seekers' rights and advancing fair employment standards.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits employers from demanding social media passwords, directly protecting data privacy and digital rights under technology policies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Unemployment Social Media

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2051: Resolve relative to children’s mental health in social media

HD 2051 creates a special commission to investigate how social media affects children's mental health and safety in Massachusetts. The commission, including health officials, educators, advocates, and youth representatives, will study risks like cyberbullying, addictive features, and harmful content, and examine how social media algorithms work. It will also identify best practices for social media companies to protect children and develop recommendations for parents, schools, and public awareness. The commission must submit its final report and draft legislation by December 31, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates commission to study social media's impact on children's mental health and develop protective recommendations, supporting mental health services within healthcare framework.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates commission to study social media's impact on children's mental health and develop best practices for companies, aligning with regulating tech for consumer safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Online Safety Social Media

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House May 19, 2025

HD 4399: An Act protecting children from addictive social media feeds

By Representative MacGregor of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William F. MacGregor for legislation to regulate social media feeds. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates social media feeds for child protection, aligning with consumer safety regulations on tech platforms per bill title and summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Social Media

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Dec 8, 2025

HD 5363: An Act relative to social media, algorithm accountability, and transparency

HD 5363 requires major social media platforms operating in Massachusetts to conduct monthly algorithm audits focused on child safety risks, such as mental health harms, addictive behaviors, and exposure to harmful content like tobacco or gambling. Covered platforms - defined as those processing personal data for 100,000+ Massachusetts residents or meeting specific revenue thresholds - must register annually with the Attorney General’s office, pay for independent audits, and submit transparency reports starting in 2026. The law mandates audits to assess whether platforms are "likely to be accessed" by children (e.g., through audience composition or marketing) and to evaluate algorithmic risks like bullying or predatory marketing. It establishes an Office of Social Media Transparency and Accountability within the Attorney General’s office to enforce these requirements and oversee an expert Advisory Council.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates algorithm audits for child safety, enhancing platform accountability and user protection per bill's focus on mental health harms and harmful content exposure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Data Privacy Social Media

Track

passed both · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 9, 2026

S 30: An Act protecting children from addictive social media feeds

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 30) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to protect children from addictive social media feeds. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill regulates social media platforms to protect children, aligning with consumer protection in tech regulation per topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Social Media

Track