Texas moves forward with expansive social media ban for minors, reigniting debate over platform restrictions

Texas is poised to become the second state to enact an across-the-board ban on social media for minors before its state legislative session ends.

Texas is poised to become the second state to enact an across-the-board ban on social media for minors before its state legislative session ends in a little over a week.

Advocates on both sides of the issue have said the bill would be the strictest state-level regulation yet on social media platforms if enacted. Other states are considering similar restrictions amid fierce debates over free speech and whether such policies are the most effective way to achieve supporters' primary goal: improving young Americans' mental health.

If enacted, Texas' bill would establish vast new restrictions that would explicitly bar every Texas resident under 18 years old from signing up for and using “a social media platform.” 

The legislation would require all social media platforms to verify the ages of all people setting up accounts. It would allow parents to request that the platforms delete their children’s social media accounts — and require the companies to do so, as well, within 10 days. The bill defines violations as “deceptive trade practices,” meaning they would be both punishable with fines from the state’s attorney general and subject to lawsuits for financial damages.

The Texas House has passed the bill, and the state Senate is expected to, as well. Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesperson for Gov. Gregg Abbott, a Republican, said that “safety and online privacy for Texas children remain a priority” for Abbott and that he would “thoughtfully review any legislation sent to his desk that seeks to accomplish these goals.”