Ohio enacts Social Media Parental Notification Act to protect children

The Social Media Parental Notification Act, signed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine last week, will take effect on 15 January and requires that minors under 16 get their parent’s permission before using social media. This permission cannot just be verbal; it must be given in written form and signed electronically.

Social media platform owners will be responsible for developing procedures for verifying whether a user is under 16, securing verifiable consent from parents or guardians, and submitting a written confirmation of consent.

Since digital corporations target children with addictive algorithms that are bad for their physical and mental health, the new regulation intends to offer parents greater control over how their children use platforms. Apps and websites for online shopping are exempt from the prohibition.

The regulations governing children’s internet and social media use have been passed in other states, including Utah and Arkansas. TikTok recently became banned in Montana, but content providers are protesting the decision.