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SOCIAL MEDIA

US state enacts tough laws to restrict social media use by minors

By our News Team | 2023

Utah is the first state to heavily curb minors’ access to social media, but others may follow with even stricter laws.

As civil society and legislators around the world become increasingly concerned about the negative impacts of social media on young people, particularly minors, the US state of Utah has passed laws prohibiting anyone under 18 from accessing social platforms without the explicit consent of their parents.

Social media companies are also prohibited from using any techniques that may cause minors to ‘develop an addition’ to these platforms.

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Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels

Utah thus becomes the first state in the US to enact such legislation, but it is possible that other states governed by the (more conservative) Republican Party could follow suit. Arkansas and Texas are already heading in this direction, with Texas wanting a complete ban on minors using social media.

The Utah laws were passed last week despite opposition from civil liberties groups. They come into effect in March 2024.

Parents can access all their children’s posts

The new laws prevent under 18s from accessing social media without their parents’ consent and also allows parents or guardians to access all of their children’s posts. The social media platforms are required to block users younger than 18 from accessing accounts between 10.30pm and 6.30am, unless parents modify the settings.

Social media companies may also not advertise to minors, collect information about them, or target content at them.

Utah’s laws complement – and in some cases duplicate – federal (national) laws that already prevent the information of children under 13 from being collected. The social platforms also already prevent children under 13 from signing up, although experts point out that there are many ways to circumvent these restrictions.

According to Michael McKell, the Utah state senator who sponsored the bill, social media is a contributing factor to poor teen mental health and the laws are intended to address this issue.

The respected Mayo Clinic, social media use can also negatively affect young people by distracting them, disrupting their sleep, and exposing them to bullying, rumour spreading, unrealistic views of other people’s lives and peer pressure. The clinic does, however, also point out that there can be benefits – including helping those who experience exclusion or have disabilities or chronic illnesses.

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.