Technology (Social Media)

HB 1878 requires commercial websites where 33% or more of content is defined as "material harmful to minors" to use reasonable age-verification methods before minors can access it. If a website fails this, it could be sued for damages if a minor accesses the content. The law specifically exempts news organizations and internet service providers (like search engines or cloud services) from liability, as they aren't responsible for the content they transmit. It defines "material harmful to minors" as content appealing to prurient interest, depicting sexual acts, or lacking serious value for minors, per Missouri law. The bill includes an emergency clause citing child safety as the justification for immediate implementation.

HB 1742 restricts minors' access to companion chatbots - AI systems designed to mimic human relationships and provide emotional support - by requiring age verification before access and banning their use on devices regularly used by minors. It prohibits covered platforms from deceiving users about the chatbot's non-human nature, implementing systems to prevent emotional dependence, or using human-like avatars. The bill specifically excludes customer service bots, video game features, and basic voice assistants from these requirements. It directly affects minors under 18 and platforms offering companion chatbots for recreational or relational purposes. The law takes effect upon passage, with no provisions for enforcement details in the current text.

HB 2361 makes it a crime to create, share, or possess nonconsensual digital alterations of a person's sexual images (like deepfakes showing someone in explicit acts they never participated in). It targets platforms hosting user-generated content (e.g., social media, apps) by requiring them to establish a clear removal process for such content by December 2026, allowing victims to request takedowns within 48 hours. Violators face a class C felony charge, and victims can sue for $10,000 or actual damages plus legal fees. The law explicitly states disclaimers about lack of consent do not prevent criminal liability. It directly affects individuals whose images are manipulated without consent and platforms that host such content.