Technology (Social Media) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

AR 101: Urges generative artificial intelligence and content sharing platforms to make voluntary commitments to prevent and remove harmful content.

AR 101 is a non-binding resolution urging major generative AI and social media platforms to voluntarily commit to preventing and removing deepfakes (manipulated videos/images falsely depicting people) and cheapfakes (AI-altered content). It targets companies that host or distribute such content, asking them to proactively address harms like disinformation, blackmail, and reputational damage. The resolution does not create new legal requirements but encourages industry action, aligning with similar efforts by the federal government and 12 other states. It was introduced to the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee on January 13, 2026.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection Social Media

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1324: Requires social media companies to take certain actions concerning accounts maintained by or featuring minors.

New Jersey's bill A-1324 requires social media companies with at least 5 million global users to implement specific safety measures for minors under 18. Key provisions include developing algorithms to detect inappropriate adult-minor interactions, real-time monitoring for abuse with automatic reporting to authorities, and blocking minor accounts from appearing in search results unless the searcher is a pre-approved contact. The bill also mandates geo-fencing to restrict minors' access to inappropriate content, verification processes for accounts using minors' names/likeliness in over 25% of paid promotional posts (requiring parental ID), and public banners identifying verified adult accounts. Enforcement falls to the Division of Consumer Affairs, with fines up to $2,500 per violation for noncompliance.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Social Media

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1659: Requires social media companies to establish toll-free telephone number for NJ account holders to report fraudulent account actions.

This bill requires social media companies with at least five million global users to establish a 24-hour toll-free phone number for New Jersey residents to report account fraud, such as unauthorized access. Social media companies must display this number in security email alerts sent to New Jersey account holders and on their platform's homepage or help page. Failure to comply would violate New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act, resulting in fines up to $20,000 per offense and potential additional penalties like cease-and-desist orders. The law directly affects large social media platforms operating in New Jersey, aiming to provide residents with a direct, accessible channel for security concerns.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Social Media

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2374: Requires law enforcement develop protocol for social media in certain circumstances.

This bill requires New Jersey's State Police and all local police departments that use social media to post about missing persons or wanted persons to create and follow a clear protocol for removing those posts. Specifically, the protocol must mandate removal within six months after the person is found (for missing persons) or after arrest/dismissal (for wanted persons). The law aims to prevent outdated posts from causing real harm, such as job denials or unnecessary scrutiny for individuals no longer missing or wanted. It directly affects law enforcement agencies that publicly share this information online, ensuring their social media content stays current.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Social Media

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 3064: Requires social media platforms to cooperate with nonprofit organization initiatives to remove nonconsensual intimate images or videos.

This bill requires social media platforms with at least five million global users to cooperate with designated nonprofit organizations (like StopNCII.org and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Take It Down initiative) to remove nonconsensual intimate images or videos. It mandates that platforms establish procedures for nonprofits to flag and request removal of such content - including AI-generated deceptive media - and requires immediate takedown of flagged material pending review. The law defines "nonconsensual" broadly, covering cases where victims didn’t consent, minors were involved, or deceptive media misrepresented individuals. Social media companies violating the law face fines up to $20,000 per offense. The bill directly affects platforms serving New Jersey users and protects individuals targeted by nonconsensual sharing of intimate content.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Social Media

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 481: Upgrades to third degree crime for cyber-harassment of public servant or family member of public servant; establishes Office of Cyber-Harassment Support in DLPS; appropriates funds.

This bill (A 481) upgrades penalties for cyber-harassment targeting public servants or their family members, raising it from a fourth-degree to a third-degree crime. It also establishes the Office of Cyber-Harassment Support within the Department of Law and Public Safety to provide victim assistance, develop educational programs, and coordinate with law enforcement and schools on cyber-harassment prevention. Key provisions include creating accessible reporting systems for victims, requiring school-based cyber ethics education, and collaborating with social media platforms to address harmful content. Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being superseded by enacted legislation (P.L.2025, c.303).

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Social Media

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2058: Requires DHS to reformat MyNJHelps web-based platform as centralized online resource for all State administered public assistance programs.

This bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Human Services to expand the MyNJHelps online platform into a single centralized system for all state public assistance programs within 365 days. It mandates that the platform become the sole online hub where applicants can access information about, apply for, and check the status of all state programs - including SNAP, WFNJ, NJFamilyCare, healthcare, food assistance, housing aid, and more - using one unified application. The bill specifies that existing program administrators (like those for Medicaid or food stamps) will remain unchanged, but the platform must enable all agencies to share applicant data securely for eligibility decisions. This directly affects low-income New Jersey residents applying for state benefits by simplifying access to multiple programs through a single digital portal.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Social Media

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 530: "Stop Social Media Censorship Act"; creates private right of action for users of social media websites whose political or religious speech has been deleted or censored by social media websites.

The "Stop Social Media Censorship Act" (A 530) creates a private legal claim for New Jersey users (18+) of major social media platforms (over 75 million subscribers, publicly accessible, non-affiliated with single religion/politics) whose political or religious speech is deleted, blocked, or algorithmically suppressed. If a platform violates this, users can seek $75,000 minimum statutory damages per incident, plus actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. The law explicitly excludes content involving calls for violence, obscenity, court orders, or minor-user bullying from protected speech. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Social Media

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SR 71: Urges Congress and President of US to enact "Kids Online Safety Act."

This New Jersey Senate Resolution (SR 71) urges Congress and the President to enact the federal "Kids Online Safety Act." It does not create new laws but formally requests federal action to address social media's impact on minors. The resolution cites research linking social media use to rising mental health issues among children (ages 8-17), noting increased screen time and documented mental health risks. It specifically calls for the federal act to promote data safety, limit addictive design features, expand parental controls, and prevent harmful content for minors. As a non-binding resolution, it directly affects federal lawmakers but does not change current policy.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Mental Health Online Safety Social Media

signed · New Jersey · Senate Aug 11, 2026

S 3412: Requires Social Media Research Center to research and make recommendations concerning addictive social media behaviors.*

S 3412 would require certain social media platforms in New Jersey to display a black box warning about mental health risks to users, similar to health warnings on tobacco products. The bill targets platforms primarily designed for social connection (like Facebook or TikTok) that have users in New Jersey, excluding services focused on news, entertainment, or e-commerce. This requirement is based on findings that youth social media use exceeding three hours daily doubles risks of depression and anxiety, and platforms are aware of these harms. The warning must be displayed on platforms meeting the bill's definition of "covered social media platforms," affecting all users of those services in the state.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Mental Health Social Media

All technology bills