Technology (Social Media)

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.

HB 4938, the "Anticorruption of Public Morals Act," prohibits the online distribution of specific material defined as "prohibited" under the bill. It directly affects internet service providers, social media platforms, websites, and commercial entities by requiring them to block access to material including most pornographic content (depicting specific sexual acts, AI-generated sexual content, or content involving gender expression that "disconnects biology and gender"), with exceptions for scientific/medical research and academic content. Key mechanisms include mandatory filtering systems for ISPs, requirements for platforms to implement AI and human content moderation with 2-day response times for flagged content, and annual transparency reports. Violations carry criminal penalties (up to 25 years in prison or $125,000 fines) or civil fines of up to $500,000 per violation, enforced by a new Attorney General's division.