Limiting Youth Social Media
On Thursday, March 23, 2023, Gov. Spencer J. Cox of Utah signed a sweeping social media bill that could have significant implications for youth access to popular apps such as TikTok and Instagram. The bill, officially titled the Youth Social Media Protection Act (YSMPA), aims to regulate the use of social media by minors in an effort to protect them from online harms such as cyberbullying, sexual predation, and exposure to harmful content.
Under the YSMPA, social media platforms are required to implement measures to restrict minors' access to certain features and content, such as messaging and live streaming, that are deemed potentially risky for children and teenagers. The bill also mandates that social media platforms provide parents with tools to monitor and control their children's use of these apps, including the ability to set time limits, block certain contacts, and restrict access to specific types of content.
While the YSMPA has been lauded by some as a much-needed step towards protecting children online, it has also drawn criticism from those who argue that it could infringe on free speech and stifle innovation in the tech industry. In this article, we will explore both sides of the debate and consider the potential impact of the YSMPA on youth access to social media.
Background
The YSMPA was first introduced by Utah State Senator Alan Christensen in early 2022, in response to growing concerns about the negative effects of social media on youth mental health and well-being. The bill quickly gained traction among lawmakers, parents, and child advocacy groups, and was passed by the Utah State Legislature in February 2023 with overwhelming support from both parties.
Under the YSMPA, social media platforms that are accessed by minors in Utah are required to:
Restrict access to certain features and content, such as messaging, live streaming, and personalized advertising, that are deemed potentially risky for children and teenagers.
Provide parents with tools to monitor and control their children's use of these apps, including the ability to set time limits, block certain contacts, and restrict access to specific types of content.
Implement measures to verify the age of users and prevent underage users from accessing the platform.
Report any incidents of cyberbullying, sexual predation, or other harmful activity involving minors to law enforcement authorities.
Face penalties for noncompliance, including fines and potential suspension or revocation of their operating license in Utah.
Impact on Youth Access to Social Media
Proponents of the YSMPA argue that it is a necessary step towards protecting children and teenagers from the negative effects of social media, which include increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. By restricting minors' access to certain features and content, the bill aims to prevent them from being exposed to harmful material and potentially risky interactions with strangers online.
However, critics of the YSMPA argue that it could have unintended consequences for youth access to social media, including limiting their ability to express themselves freely and stifling innovation in the tech industry. Some have also raised concerns about the potential for the bill to infringe on free speech and violate users' privacy rights.
The YSMPA could also have broader implications for the regulation of social media at the national level. If successful in Utah, other states may follow suit and pass similar legislation, leading to a patchwork of state-level regulations that could be difficult for social media platforms to navigate.
Impact on the Tech Industry
The YSMPA has also drawn criticism from some in the tech industry, who argue that it could stifle innovation and hinder the growth of social media companies. By imposing strict regulations on social media platforms, the bill could make it more difficult for new startups to enter the market and compete with established players like Facebook and Twitter.
