New Utah Law Regulates Social Media for Children

In a first-of-its-kind action by a state legislature, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed into law Senate Bill 152 and House Bill 311, effectively limiting how children use social media.

Beginning March 1, 2024, social media companies such as TikTok, Twitter, and Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) are required to comply with the new Utah laws.  The laws prohibit social media companies from sending minors targeted advertisements or specific accounts and collecting, sharing, or using personal information on the account.  The social media companies will be required to obtain parental consent before minors can sign up.  Minors under the age of 18 are also prohibited from using social media between the hours of 10:30 PM and 6:30 AM, unless changed by a parent or guardian.

Social media companies that fail to meet these new guidelines could be subject to enforcement by the Division of Consumer Protection.  A violation of the new limitations could result in administrative fines, enforcement through injunctions, civil penalties, and other relief through the judicial process.

For questions on these new laws and best practices regarding information consent, please contact John Landolfi, Chris Ingram, Chris LaRocco, Gretchen Rutz Leist or your Vorys attorney.