Legislation requiring social media platforms to prevent individuals under 16 from creating accounts has been filed in the Alabama House of Representatives.
The bill follows a legislative trend of tamping down on juvenile access to and use of social media, especially related to schools.
One example is House Bill 166 (HB166), sponsored by State Rep. Leigh Hulsey (R-Helena), which cracks down on the use of cell phones and other wireless devices during a school day's instructional period.
House Bill 235 (HB235) by State Rep. David Faulkner (R-Birmingham) would require social media companies to provide "a commercially reasonable age verification process" to prevent individuals under 16 from starting social media accounts.
The bill provides no criminal penalties for social media platforms that violate the law. However, it would allow the Attorney General (AG) to pursue the matter civilly and collect damages.
Any "knowing or reckless violation" of the bill would be deemed "a deceptive trade practice" actionable under Alabama law. If the AG has reason to believe that a social media platform violated the bill's provisions, he may bring an action against the platform for an unfair or deceptive trade practice. In addition to other remedies available under Alabama law, the AG may collect a civil penalty of up to $50,000 per violation, plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs.
If a violation is part of a consistent pattern of "knowing or reckless conduct," the AG may seek punitive damages against the social media platform.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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