The bill package would stop kids from using social media without parental consent, ban targeted advertising directed at kids, and create new restrictions on AI chatbots available to children.
Democratic state Senator Darrin Camileri says federal policies don’t do enough to protect kids.
“We are now having to step in at the state level in order to do something.”
But Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt says the state should ban everyone under 16 from using social media period.
“If we really care about ending this addiction that is harming our kids, we need to cut off the supply. Not half measures that this is.”
The business community has raised concerns about an extra burden the bills could place on online platforms.
