Technology (Online Safety)

This bill establishes the "Regulating Access to Social Media Companies by Minors Act" to restrict how minors can use social media platforms in Michigan. It prohibits companies from allowing individuals under 16 to access or create accounts on these platforms and requires written parental consent for users aged 16 to 17. The law defines social media platforms as websites or apps where users generate their own content to communicate with others, while excluding services like email or those with preselected content. Enforcement is handled by the state attorney general, who can impose a daily civil fine of $25,000 for each day a company fails to comply with these age restrictions.

This bill requires websites offering adult content to verify users are 18+ before access. Commercial entities must use ID checks or approved systems to confirm age for sites with over 33% adult content, while others must block minors and display disclaimers. News organizations and internet service providers are exempt from these requirements. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per incident, enforced by the Attorney General's office after a 45-day correction period.