This bill amends New Jersey's obscenity laws to require online platforms to verify that users are at least 18 years old before they can access sexually explicit material. It defines "sexually oriented online entities" as websites, social media platforms, and other digital services where a significant portion of content or revenue involves such material. The legislation makes it a third-degree crime for these platforms or individuals to knowingly show obscene content to minors without confirming their age. Additionally, the bill establishes legal presumptions regarding a platform's knowledge of its content and the age of its users to enforce these restrictions.
This bill prohibits social media platforms from using features or practices that cause addiction among users under 18 years old. It defines addiction as compulsive use that leads to physical, mental, emotional, developmental, or material harm, and requires platforms to conduct regular audits to identify and fix addictive design elements within 30 days. The law exempts small businesses with less than $100 million in revenue and video game platforms from these requirements, while protecting platforms from liability for user-generated content and existing federal or state protections. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $250,000 per incident enforced through New Jersey's existing penalty enforcement procedures.
This New Jersey bill requires social media companies to verify the age of all users and obtain explicit parental consent before minors under 18 can create accounts on platforms. To provide consent, parents must submit government-issued identification and credit card information, with a fee of up to 35 cents charged to the card. The law also prohibits direct messaging between adults and minors on social media platforms and mandates that accounts without proper verification be denied access within 14 days. These requirements apply to social media platforms with at least five million worldwide users that allow users to create profiles and share content.
This bill establishes a $2 million grant program for New Jersey public schools to promote limited student use of cell phones and social media during school hours and school events. Schools applying for grants must submit plans to reduce device distractions, while the Department of Education will develop best practices covering age-appropriate policies, emergency exceptions, and device storage options. Participating schools must annually report on how the program affects academic performance, behavior, and student well-being, with the Department compiling statewide results. The program targets all public schools in New Jersey, with grants awarded competitively based on regional diversity and need.
This bill creates a $2 million grant program for New Jersey public schools to develop policies limiting student cell phone and social media use during school hours and school events. Schools receiving grants must create age-appropriate policies that include exceptions for emergencies, health needs, and accommodations for students with disabilities, while promoting alternatives like phone lockers and network restrictions. Participating schools must report annually on how the program affects academic performance, behavior, and student well-being, with the state later evaluating the program's effectiveness compared to non-participating schools. The program directly affects public schools seeking funding to address distractions, not individual students or parents.
This New Jersey bill (S 3702) restricts AI-generated content in election campaigns. It bans publishing AI-created campaign materials (like ads, social media posts, or phone messages) within 90 days of an election, requires clear labeling of all AI-generated content with "Artificial intelligence was used in creating this message," and prohibits deceptive AI content falsely portraying opponents. The law applies to campaigns, political committees, and individuals funding election communications. Violations are punishable as a fourth-degree crime, carrying up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine.
S 1182 requires New Jersey public schools to adopt policies restricting student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on buses, and at school events. The policies must include age-appropriate rules, accommodate students with IEPs, allow emergency phone use, and permit educational use with teacher permission. Schools must also implement network-based restrictions to block social media access on all school-owned devices and networks. The Commissioner of Education will develop guidelines covering storage options, communication protocols, and disciplinary procedures to support implementation. These requirements apply starting the first full school year after the bill's enactment.
This bill (S 1826) requires online platforms primarily distributing sexually explicit material (defined as "obscene material" under New Jersey law) to verify users are at least 18 years old before accessing such content. It applies specifically to "sexually oriented online entities" where more than one-third of revenue, user accounts, or content consists of obscene material - such as dedicated adult platforms or sites with significant adult content. The law mandates using approved age verification methods, including New Jersey’s driver’s license system, to confirm users’ age before access. It does not apply to general social media or non-explicit content, focusing solely on platforms meeting the defined threshold for obscene material. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
S 2129 prohibits knowingly sharing deceptive audio or video (like deepfakes) within 90 days of an election if intended to mislead voters about candidates or election issues. It makes this a crime (4th degree for first offense, 3rd for repeat), with penalties including fines and jail time. The law allows voters or candidates to seek court orders to stop such sharing and recover damages, but includes key exceptions: news reporting, satire, and minor edits with clear disclaimers (e.g., "This contains manipulated images"). Platforms like social media and news outlets are exempt from liability under federal law (Section 230).
