Gwen Rummell Reporting – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s 2023-2024 Budget Plan will require social media platforms to have parent or guardian approval for youth under 16 before allowing them to create an account.
A requirement is also listed for companies to provide guidelines to show parents or guardians what content will be censored or moderated on a child’s profile.
Empower Tusc Coordinator, Jodi Salvo, says the measure was created to allow parents to have the choice of reducing possible damaging or inappropriate content for their children.
“There’s research that when our young people are viewing other persons’ lives play out on social media, they have a decreased view of their own life situation.”
Social media platforms will not automatically toggle off explicit content in app settings, instead leaving the option up to the adult giving consent.
It is still unknown what social media platforms will do for pre-existing accounts created by youth under 16.
The rule is set to become effective next year for pages like Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, Snapchat, and other online gaming companies. It will not include online shopping platforms.
Companies will have until January 15, 2024 to comply.
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