A few weeks ago I shared an article about Utah enacting legislation restricting minors’ usage of the internet. It appears that Arkansas has followed suit, which raises the question of how many more states and subsequently countries will pursue this sort of legislation. Will it be effective?
Summary: Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the Social Media Safety Act into law, prohibiting social media companies from allowing users under 18 without parental consent, and requiring age verification. The act applies to companies with at least $100 million in annual revenue, and provides for enforcement by the Arkansas Attorney General and a private right of action with penalties of $2,500 per violation. It takes effect on September 1, 2023.