Utah Becomes First State To Require Parental Consent For Children To Use Social Media

After a measure was enacted on Thursday, Utah has become the first US state to require social media firms to get parental consent for children to use their apps and verify that users are at least 18.

The governor said he signed the two sweeping measures to protect young people in the state.

The bills will give parents full access to their children's online accounts, including posts and private messages.

The move comes amidst heightened concern over the impact of social media on children's mental health.

Under the measures enacted on Thursday, a parent or guardian's explicit consent will be needed before children can create accounts on apps such Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

The bills also impose a social media curfew that blocks children's access between 22:30 and 06:30, unless adjusted by their parents.

Under the legislation, social media companies will no longer be able to collect a child's data or be targeted for advertising.

The two bills - which are also de...

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