Republicans moved a bill that puts in place more parental involvement when it comes to the social media accounts of minors in Iowa. House File 2255 requires social media companies to obtain parental authorization before permitting a minor to create an account.
The bill also prohibits the collection, transfer, transmission, imaging or retention of data related to a minor by a company if the company has not received parental authorization. The company is also required to provide the parent or guardian who has granted authorization with a password or other means to access the minor’s account.
It allows the Attorney General to bring a civil action for violations and the court will be able to assess a civil penalty of up to $1,000 against the company per violation. A person harmed by the company’s violation may bring civil action in district court and the district court may order damages in an amount of equal to the greater of either $10,000 for each violation or the amount of actual damages for any financial, physical and emotional harm to the person.
Tom Chapman of the Iowa Catholic Conference said the policy helps families and children. Chapman noted anybody who has been a parent recently knows minors can easily create a social media account without parental awareness. While social media is a great way to stay connected to family and friends, data also shows it increases the risk of depression, anxiety, suicide and eating disorders.
Ryan Benn of The FAMiLY Leader said the bill should be a nonpartisan issue as the current U.S. Surgeon General recently issued a report talking about the dangers of social media for youth.
Democrat State Rep. Sami Scheetz said he “loves” the intent of the bill as someone who grew up in the social media age, but he has questions about the enforceability and how many lawsuits it may create.
Republican State Representatives Charley Thomson and John Wills advanced the bill.
