Louisiana lawmaker seeks to shield children from TikTok, social media

Greg Hilburn, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
·2 min read
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A Louisiana lawmaker is filing a bill that would require social media companies like TikTok to secure parental consent before children can download the apps and create blackout times to be off the platforms as criticism of the companies escalates in state legislatures and Congress.

Republican Covington state Sen. Patrick McMath, who said he is filing the bill Thursday, said the measure would create age restrictions for minors 16 and younger.

"I've got four young kids," McMath said. "Our oldest is 8 and I have seen enough evidence that social media can cause detrimental harm to our youth that I felt compelled to take action."

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McMath said his bill is designed to protect children and teenagers from the dangers of social media while still being able to access the value of the technology. McMath said his children aren't on social media platforms yet, but their access is inevitable when they become older.

"It will give parents more tools to combat harmful effects of social media," he said. "We're not banning anyone; we're just giving parents the chance to make informed decisions.

"We have a mental health crisis in the country and social media is exacerbating that crisis, especially among our youth."

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His bill will also outlaw the companies from storing data of minors or advertising to minor account holders. The social media blackout, similar to a curfew, would be from 10:30 p.m.-6:30 a.m.

McMath's legislation would also give parents a path to sue companies that they believe were negligent in their children being harmed.

Broad concerns about giant technology companies like Facebook and Google have been percolating for years, but Congress has so far been unable to pass national privacy laws and restrictions, leaving some states to take action.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies during a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on the platform's consumer privacy and data security practices and impact on children, Thursday, March 23, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies during a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on the platform's consumer privacy and data security practices and impact on children, Thursday, March 23, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

McMath said his bill is modeled after two new Utah laws passed this month.

Tech industry lobbyists believe Utah's new laws are unconstitutional, saying they infringe on people’s right to exercise the First Amendment online.

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“Utah will soon require online services to collect sensitive information about teens and families, not only to verify ages, but to verify parental relationships, like government-issued IDs and birth certificates, putting their private data at risk of breach,” Nicole Saad Bembridge, an associate director for the tech lobby group NetChoice, said to the Associated Press.

Critics also express skepticism that such laws can be enforced, but McMath said his bill "gives teeth to enforcement and authority to the justice department."

Louisiana's Legislative Session begins on April 10.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1 

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Louisiana lawmaker seeks age restrictions on social media platforms