The Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor convened on May 16, 2025, to discuss significant legislative measures aimed at enhancing the protection of minors on social media platforms. Central to the discussions was Senate Bill 63, which proposes strict regulations regarding the use of social media by individuals under the age of 18.
The bill prohibits social media platforms from allowing users under 13 years old to access their services. For minors aged 13 and older, platforms must obtain explicit consent from a verified parent or legal guardian before granting access. This consent can be revoked at any time, necessitating the immediate disabling and deletion of the minor's account.
Additionally, the bill restricts the use of minors' personal information in algorithmic recommendation systems and limits notifications sent to minors during specific hours typically reserved for sleep or school. Parents or guardians will have the ability to set additional restrictions on access and notifications.
The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with establishing regulations for age verification systems and consent processes. Compliance with these regulations will be essential for social media platforms to avoid being classified as engaging in deceptive trade practices.
During the meeting, Attorney General Ford proposed amendments to refine the definition of a social media platform, expanding it to include various digital services while excluding certain categories like email and cloud storage. The amendments also clarify provisions related to content delivery and the disabling of specific features upon parental request.
The committee's discussions underscore a growing concern over the safety of minors online and the need for robust regulatory frameworks to protect young users in an increasingly digital world. The next steps involve further deliberation on the proposed amendments and the potential impact of the bill on social media practices in Nevada.