What is the Arkansas Social Media Safety Act?

Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed the Social Media Regulation Act into law on March 23, 2023, that incorporates both HB311 and SB 152. The regulation will go into force next year on March 1, 2024, holding social media companies accountable to ensure minors under 18 are protected online.  

Governor Cox anticipates social media companies will challenge the regulation in court to stop the law going into effect. This law adds momentum for other states to hold social media companies accountable to ensure kids across the country are protected online. Other states, such as Texas, Ohio and Louisiana have similar proposals in the works, along with New Jersey. 

Here is a breakdown of the regulation and what you need to know.

H.B. 311 Highlights:

• Prohibits social media companies using design features that cause a minor to become addicted to that platform.
  
  
• Authorizes a private right of action to collect attorney fees and damages from a social media company for harm incurred by a minor's use of the company's social media platform and creates a rebuttable presumption that harm and causation occurred in some circumstances.

s with metaverse activations, platforms and portals, ad networks companies with websites, apps and connected devices collecting and processing children’s data. 

Participants will have the option to submit questions in advance. Sessions will follow Chatham House Rules to provide an open, in-depth session as we address the challenges in the children’s space today and tomorrow. For attorneys attending, the event is eligible for CLE credits.