COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new proposal led by Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted would require certain online companies to obtain verified parental consent before permitting kids ages 16 and under to use their platforms.
The Social Media Parental Notification Act was submitted as part of Gov. Mike DeWine's 2023-24 executive budget presented to the Ohio General Assembly.
The proposal includes social media and online gaming companies such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat.
Social media and online companies would be required to do the following:
- Create a parental consent splash page when users under the age of 16 register for an account.
- Obtain verifiable parental or legal guardian consent.
- Send written confirmation of the consent to the parent or legal guardian.
If the user indicates that they are under the age of 16 via a splash page, the following methods can be used for verification:
- Signing a digital form consenting to the terms of service
- Use a credit card, debit card or other online payment system
- Call a toll-free telephone number
- Connect to trained personnel via video-conference
- Check a form of government-issued identification
If a parent or legal guardian refuses to consent to the terms of service, the company must deny the child access.
Husted hopes this is just the beginning.
"I think there probably needs to be more than just what we're talking about. But we got to open that conversation. We've got to force these companies to the table. They're making money off of our kids. They're collecting data on them. They're putting harmful addictive algorithms on there and not doing anything in return to protect them. They need to step up and be responsible," Husted said.
Husted said he expects pushback, but hopes social media companies will embrace that they have a responsibility.
"Well, the companies know that this is harmful, but they're making billions of dollars off of it. And right now, doing very little to protect our children," Husted said.
Companies would have 90 days to comply if passed by the Ohio General Assembly and signed into law by DeWine.
Husted first spoke with Wake Up CBUS about the new proposal. Watch the exclusive interview in the player below.