Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Proposes Bill Limiting Children’s Access to Social Media

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is proposing new legislation that would limit children's access to social media platforms while also requiring companies to pay a fee aimed at offsetting the negative effects their platforms have on young users.

Under this new proposal, social media companies would be subject to a new "platform fee," which the governor's office say could generate up to $200M.  That money earned would be earmarked for educational programs across Illinois.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Proposes Bill Limiting Children’s Access to Social Media

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Pritzker said the move is in response to growing concerns about how social media algorithms impact children and society as a whole.  In a statement, JB Pritzker said social media algorithms have been shown to contribute to mental health issues in teens while also fueling misinformation.  He argued that companies are profiting from engagement by Illinois users without contributing to solutions that address the harm.

"If social media companies are going to feed off Illinois families, they out to support Illinois families," Pritzker said.

For many families, social media has become more than just a way to connect with friends.  It's a daily distraction and, in some cases, a dangerous space where kids can be exposed to cyberbullying, harmful content, and constant comparison.  Teachers and parents alike have raised concerns about the amount of time children spend online and the long-term effects it may have on their mental health and attention spans.

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The proposal is likely to face criticism, for sure.  Civil liberties advocates argue that stricter age-verification requirements could infringer on users' rights and potentially expose personal data to hackers.  Social media companies are also expected to push back against both the fee and the cost of implementing new compliance software.  In addition to the social media proposal, Pritzker is also calling for a statewide ban on cell phone use in classrooms, with limited exceptions.  Read all about it here.

Both proposals would need approval from the Illinois General Assembly before becoming law.