Minnesota mandates pop-up notifications for social media user time tracking

Minnesota's Senate Bill 1807 aims to enhance user awareness and promote mental health safety on social media platforms. Introduced on February 24, 2025, the bill mandates that social media companies implement clear warning labels about the potential negative mental health impacts associated with their platforms. These labels must be prominently displayed and cannot be buried in terms and conditions or obscured by extraneous information.

Key provisions of the bill include the requirement for a pop-up notification every 30 minutes of active use, informing users of their usage time and encouraging mindful engagement. Users will have the option to customize or deactivate these notifications, but the maximum deactivation period cannot exceed 60 minutes. The Minnesota Department of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, will develop guidelines for these warning labels based on current evidence regarding mental health impacts.

The bill has sparked notable discussions among lawmakers and mental health advocates. Proponents argue that it addresses growing concerns about social media's role in mental health issues, particularly among young users. Critics, however, express concerns about potential overreach and the feasibility of enforcing such regulations on large tech companies.

If passed, Senate Bill 1807 could set a precedent for similar legislation across the nation, potentially reshaping how social media platforms operate and how users interact with them. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and its implications could lead to significant changes in user engagement and corporate responsibility in the digital space. As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its progress and potential impact on both mental health and the tech industry.