(INDIANAPOLIS) - Parents in Indiana would have to provide sensitive personal information to social media companies to allow their children to use popular platforms under legislation headed to Gov. Mike Braun.
The bill requires companies to obtain verifiable parental consent before anyone under 17 can create or maintain an account. Without that approval, minors' accounts would be disabled or deleted.
To grant permission, parents would need to confirm their identity by submitting documentation such as a driver's license or Social Security number -- a requirement that has raised concerns about privacy and data security.
Supporters say the measure aims to protect children from online predators and harmful content, citing cases where teens were victimized through social media. Critics question whether companies can reliably determine users' ages and warn about the risks of handing sensitive data to large tech firms.
The law would also mandate new password-protected parental controls, allowing adults to monitor usage, set time limits and restrict access during certain hours.
Despite lingering questions about implementation, the measure passed the Indiana Senate by a 49-1 vote. Most provisions would take effect January 1, 2027, if signed into law.