Massachusetts committee discusses bills to protect kids from addictive social media algorithms

The Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity convened on July 10, 2025, to discuss significant legislative proposals aimed at safeguarding minors from the potential harms of social media. The primary focus was on Senate Bill 30 and House Bill 4229, which seek to regulate algorithm-driven content targeting children.

The meeting opened with a strong endorsement for the bills, emphasizing the urgent need to protect children from the addictive nature of social media platforms. Advocates highlighted that these platforms are designed to engage users, particularly minors, in ways that can lead to increased anxiety and harmful comparisons. The proposed legislation aims to require parental consent for algorithm-driven feeds directed at minors, drawing parallels to existing age restrictions on substances like alcohol and tobacco.

A representative raised concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed measures, questioning whether limiting algorithmic content delivery is sufficient or if a more stringent age restriction should be considered. This prompted a discussion on the balance between protecting children and allowing access to information, with some committee members expressing skepticism about the feasibility of enforcing such regulations on large tech companies.

Kyle Seppi, representing the Computer and Communications Industry Association, opposed the bills, arguing that they could infringe on free speech rights and impose burdensome age verification requirements. He pointed out that similar laws in other states have faced legal challenges, citing recent court rulings that deemed age verification laws unconstitutional. Seppi advocated for parental control tools and digital citizenship education as more effective solutions.

David McGarry from the Taxpayers Protection Alliance echoed these concerns, warning that the bills could inadvertently compromise user privacy and security by requiring sensitive personal data for age verification. He emphasized that parents, rather than the government, should take the lead in monitoring their children's online activities.

The committee also heard from Holly Grosshans of Common Sense Media, who supported the bills, highlighting the importance of providing children with a safer online environment. She noted the organization's commitment to digital literacy and education in Massachusetts schools.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members acknowledged the complexity of the issues at hand, with ongoing discussions about the balance between protecting minors and ensuring access to information. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the proposed legislation and its implications for both children and the broader digital landscape.