A bill is passed to prohibit children from creating SNS accounts without parental consent

A bill to restrict children under the age of 18 from creating accounts with online services without parental or guardian consent was passed in Louisiana, USA on June 6, 2023 local time. If Governor John Bell Edwards signs the bill, it will come into effect on August 1, 2024.

House Bill No. 61
(PDF file)

Louisiana passes bill banning kids from the internet without parental consent - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/8/23754274/louisiana-child-safety-online-protection-ban-roblox-fortnite-instagram

Louisiana Bill Would Require Kids Get a Parent's Permission for Online Accounts
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/louisiana-bill-would-require-kids-get-a-parents-permission-for-online-accounts/

The bill `` HB61 '' passed by the Louisiana State Legislature states that `` `` interactive computer services '' cannot enter into contracts with minors without the consent of parents or guardians. The definition of 'interactive computer service' in the bill is very broad, and includes the creation of SNS accounts such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, access to online games such as ' Roblox ' and ' Fortnite ,' and sending email addresses to services on the Internet. This includes entering and creating an account. These acts will be prohibited when the bill is enacted.

HB61 will also allow parents and guardians to retroactively cancel contracts concluded by minors without parental consent.

However, the bill has received some negative feedback, with Servando Esparza, executive director of technology industry group TechNet , saying, ``HB61 can endanger people's privacy and have unintended consequences. 'Before the bill enters into force, it is extremely important to investigate the potential impacts of the bill when it is issued.'

As I told the @NYTimes , Louisiana HB61 could jeopardize privacy and lead to unintended consequences. We appreciate that the bill was amended in the Senate to require the bill's impact to be examined before it takes effect. https://t.co/vbJmTZjAIk

— TechNet - Texas & Southeast (@TechNetSE) June 8, 2023

In addition, Carl Sabo, vice president of NetChoice , a non-profit organization, said in a statement (PDF file) issued on June 8, 2023, ``HB61 has the rights set forth in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. It is infringing and will lead to mandatory and large-scale data collection of all Louisiana residents,' he said, adding, 'I hope Governor Edwards will veto this bill.' I'm here.

In the United States, on May 23, 2023, Vivek Murthy, Director of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services, said, ``Children are harassed by content on social media, ranging from violent and sexual content to content like bullying and harassment. We are exposed to a variety of harmful content. SNS needs safety standards and demands concrete actions from companies and policy makers.'

Report that SNS has a positive impact on children and young people but can pose serious risks, Surgeon General urges policy makers and technology companies to act-GIGAZINE

Meanwhile, HB61, which was unanimously approved, will be sent to Governor Edwards for final approval, and if approval is signed, it will come into force on August 1, 2024. . News media The Verge said, ``At the time of the bill's publication, it is unclear how the state will use it, but before it goes into effect, Louisiana will seek feedback from state legislative bodies for consideration of the bill. We are asking residents to provide for.'