Montana's House Bill 925, introduced on March 29, 2025, aims to enhance the online safety of minors using social media platforms. This legislation seeks to establish a robust framework for protecting the personal information of young users and ensuring their privacy while engaging with digital content.

At the heart of House Bill 925 are several key provisions designed to prioritize the safety and privacy of minor account holders. The bill mandates that social media companies implement default privacy settings that maximize protection, including restricting account visibility to only connected users and limiting data collection to what is essential for the platform's functionality. Additionally, the bill requires companies to disable search engine indexing of minor profiles and restrict direct messaging capabilities to connected accounts only.

Another significant aspect of the bill is its emphasis on data security. Social media companies will be required to adopt reasonable security measures, such as data encryption, to safeguard the personal information of minors. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that minors must have the right to request the deletion of their personal information and any publicly shared content.

The introduction of House Bill 925 has sparked discussions among lawmakers, parents, and digital rights advocates. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in protecting children from potential online dangers, including data exploitation and cyberbullying. Critics, however, express concerns about the feasibility of enforcing such regulations and the potential impact on social media companies' operations.

The implications of this legislation could be far-reaching. If passed, it may set a precedent for other states to follow suit, potentially reshaping how social media platforms operate nationwide. Experts suggest that the bill could lead to a significant shift in the digital landscape, prioritizing user privacy and safety over engagement-driven algorithms that often expose minors to harmful content.

As the Montana Legislature continues to debate House Bill 925, the outcome will likely resonate beyond state lines, influencing ongoing conversations about digital safety and the responsibilities of social media companies in protecting their youngest users. The bill represents a growing recognition of the need for stronger safeguards in an increasingly digital world, reflecting community concerns about the well-being of children online.