On April 16, 2024, House Bill 1891 on the Protecting Children from Social Media Act was enrolled and sent for signature to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

What are the main provisions of the bill?

The bill would require a social media company to verify the age of an individual who either attempts to become an account holder at the time the individual attempts to become an account holder, or is an account holder within 14 days of the account holder's attempt to access an existing account. The bill would also require a social media company to verify the express parental consent of a minor to become or continue as an account holder.

Additionally, the bill would require a social media company to provide a minor account holder's parent with the means to supervise the minor's account, including options for the parent to view privacy settings on the account, set daily time restrictions, and implement breaks during which the minor cannot access the account.

Enforcement

The bill provides that if the Attorney General of Tennessee (AG) believes that a social media company is engaged or is about to engage in an act or practice prohibited under the bill and that the proceedings would be of public interest, then the AG may:

• conduct an investigation in the same manner as provided in existing law; and

• bring an action in the same manner as provided in existing law, where the AG may recover the penalties and other relief.

You can read the bill and track its progress here.