Technology (Social Media)

HB 652 requires social media platforms and websites with public user profiles (like Facebook or Instagram) to report specific drug-related activity to Pennsylvania State Police. If a platform learns someone is unlawfully manufacturing, delivering, or possessing drugs in Pennsylvania, it must provide contact details, digital evidence (like IP addresses or timestamps), and related messages within 24 hours. Platforms face fines up to $300,000 for failing to report, but the law explicitly prohibits them from monitoring users or proactively searching for drug activity. This bill directly affects major online platforms that facilitate user interaction and public content sharing.

SB 22 amends Pennsylvania's mental health laws to protect minors under age 16 on social media. It prohibits social media companies from intentionally causing minors to access harmful content that risks their physical or mental health, with penalties including fines. Companies must take "good faith" steps to block such content, and recovered damages from violations will fund mental health services for students. The law directly affects social media platforms operating in Pennsylvania and aims to address rising teen mental health concerns linked to social media use.

HB 1513 would amend Pennsylvania's criminal code to establish criminal liability for internet publishers and distributors who knowingly make material harmful to minors available online. The bill targets content such as explicit sexual material deemed harmful to minors, creating a legal framework for prosecution without requiring proof of intent to harm minors. It directly affects online platforms, website operators, and content distributors that host or share such material. The bill is currently pending in the Communications & Technology committee for further review.

SB 376 bans the installation or use of TikTok (or any app developed by ByteDance Limited) on state-owned electronic devices and state wireless networks in Pennsylvania. It requires state employees to remove such applications from devices within three months of the law taking effect, with exceptions for law enforcement, security, or risk mitigation activities. The law directly affects state employees using devices paid for with state funds or accessing state networks. It specifically targets TikTok and any future apps by ByteDance, not other social media platforms.