Posted 5/7/24

The State of Tennessee has added a new layer of social media regulation.

Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee, now allows social media platforms to verify a user's age and puts the minor's ability to use these platforms on parental consent.

The "Protecting Children from Social Media Act," signed into law by Governor Lee, is a first-of-its-kind legislation aiming to empower parents and guard youngsters against potential of online harms.

Under the new law, any Tennessean under the age of 18 will have to have the backing of a guardian to create or sustain a social media presence.

Current and prospective account holders will find themselves at a turning point with their access to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook is now dependent their parents’ consent.

The requirements don't stop at consent. The law also compels social media companies to equip parents with supervisory tools to manage their children’s online activity.

These include personalized privacy settings and the ability to impose time limits, potentially curbing excesses in the virtual worlds their kids frequent.

This new policy will takes effect January 1st. With the Tennessee attorney general granted power to sue non-compliant companies. All eyes are now on the Volunteer State, with this unprecedented digital parental control.