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Debate sharpens over bills to limit algorithmic social feeds for minors
Summary
Lawmakers heard competing testimony on House Bill 4229 and Senate Bill 30, which would restrict algorithmic recommendation feeds for minors and require age‑assurance rules; supporters cited youth mental‑health harms while opponents raised First Amendment and privacy concerns.
Supporters of H4229 and S30 told the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology that algorithmic social feeds and overnight notifications harm minors and that state rules are needed to protect children. Representative McGregor, a bill sponsor, said the bills would limit “addictive social media feeds for minors” and direct the attorney general to adopt enforceable age‑assurance rules. "By passing this bill, we would be taking a massive step toward alleviating addictions before they begin," she said.
Several parents, advocacy groups and public‑health witnesses urged favorable reports. Julie Skelfo, founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction, said internal documents from platforms show companies design features to maximize time on site and that the consequences for youth mental health are severe. "Children deserve to be safe," Skelfo said.…
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