Michigan Proposes New Bills to Protect Children from Social Media Risks

New Legislative Measures in Michigan Aim to Protect Minors on Social Media

With an increasing focus on children's safety online, Michigan lawmakers have introduced a series of legislative proposals designed to enhance protections against social media exploitation of minors. These initiatives, collectively referred to as Kids Over Clicks, aim to address the potential dangers associated with social media platforms and artificial intelligence.

The proposed legislative package, revealed by state Senate Democrats on Wednesday, includes several key provisions, such as limiting children's access to AI companion chatbots. Alisha Meneely from the Michigan Kids Code Coalition highlighted the troubling trend, noting that “Social media corporations intentionally flood our kids’ feeds with content designed to keep them addicted, glued to their screens, engaged and online for as long as possible, in order to harvest private information.”

This push for legislative action aligns with a larger national movement, as various states across the U.S. pursue regulations aimed at regulating children's access to social media. Proposed measures range from imposing time restrictions to outright bans, although these initiatives have encountered significant resistance from industry representatives.

Amy Bos, Vice President of Government Affairs at NetChoice, which represents the interests of the social media sector, criticized the Michigan measures as potential violations of constitutional rights. She expressed, “There are many constitutional options lawmakers have for creating a safer environment for kids online. Unconstitutional laws protect no one, and we hope to work with Michigan policymakers on lawful solutions to increase digital safety.”

Challenges to similar regulations are not uncommon, with federal courts having previously blocked or overturned laws in states such as Ohio and Arkansas.

In response to these legislative efforts, Bos underscored the significance of alternative approaches, including providing resources to law enforcement for addressing online threats, integrating digital safety education within school curricula, and initiating public awareness campaigns aimed at educating families about online safety.