Utah was the first state in the USA to sign a new law that severely restricts underage access to social networks.
Utah was the first US state to restrict the social media activities of children and young people. The law, signed into law by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, will limit when and where they can access such platforms. It is due to come into force next year. The operating companies should also be prevented from luring the adolescents there. Similar legislation is in the works in other states such as Arkansas, Texas, Ohio and Louisiana.
Poor mental health
Cox pointed to studies from around the world that he says show a link between poor mental health “and time spent on these social media and these apps.”
The law requires companies to give parents access to their children’s user accounts. It provides for a ban on use between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. And it requires proof of age from all Utah residents who want to use social media.
No advertising to minors
The affected companies will probably have to create a framework to meet the requirements. This would result in a partial redesign of the platforms. Parts of the law prohibit, for example, directing advertising to minors or showing them in search results. However, search offers and advertising tailored to target groups are important sources of income for many social media companies.
