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Senate committee advances age‑verification Social Media Safety Act after heated testimony
Summary
The Senate Insurance & Commerce Committee voted to pass SB396, the Social Media Safety Act, which would require age verification and parental consent for new social-media accounts in Arkansas on large platforms. Supporters cited youth mental‑health risks; industry groups warned of First Amendment and privacy/legal risks.
Senators on the Insurance & Commerce Committee advanced SB396, the Social Media Safety Act, on a voice vote after sponsor Senator Tyler Deese said the measure would protect children by requiring parental verification for new social‑media accounts on large platforms.
Deese, the Senate sponsor, said the bill would require social platforms with at least $100 million in annual revenue to use third‑party age verifiers for any new account opened in Arkansas so a parent or guardian must confirm a minor’s participation. ‘‘We are trying to make the most impact possible,’’ Deese said, framing the proposal as a parental‑empowerment measure designed to reduce youth exposure to harmful material.
Emergency physician Dr.…
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