social media companies

Minnesota's new laws effective July 1 include $1.24 billion for infrastructure projects, mandatory anonymous threat reporting systems in schools, and social media companies providing mental health warnings. The laws face some pushback from a tech industry group.

Australia doubled penalties for social media companies violating the under-16 user ban as teens circumvent restrictions using methods like fake mustaches and VPNs. A study found little change in social media use post-ban, suggesting it may not improve teen mental health.

Jimmy Chilimigras, an 18-year-old Mississippi resident, graduated law school and aims to reform US tax law and litigate against social media companies for creating addictive, harmful products targeting youths.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a $55.9 billion Illinois state budget focused on affordability, including funds for food assistance, affordable housing, and schools. The budget introduces a tax on social media companies and a back-to-school sales tax holiday, while suspending a fuel tax increase.

The U.K. proposed a law to ban individuals under 16 from social media apps like TikTok and Snapchat. Social media companies would be required to verify users' ages or face significant fines.

The U.K. government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, plans to propose a law banning individuals under 16 from social media apps like TikTok and Snapchat. Social media companies would be required to verify users' ages or face significant fines.

Illinois' new budget includes a tax targeting social media companies operating in the state. Platforms with 100,000 to 500,000 users will be taxed 10¢ monthly per user, with higher tiers likely facing increased rates.

Social media companies have targeted students despite growing complaints that their platforms harm teenagers' mental health and academic performance. The article highlights concerns about how these apps engage teens during school hours.

Social media companies are targeting students through their apps, raising concerns among parents and teachers. The focus on reaching students has overshadowed these educational concerns.

Illinois lawmakers passed House Bill 5511, the Children’s Online Social Media Safety Act, to limit how social media companies target content to minors under 18 by requiring age verification via device operating systems and adjusting app features like algorithmic feeds. The bill, supported by Governor JB Pritzker, mandates privacy protections, restricts data use for feed personalization, and limits harmful content exposure, passing unanimously in the Senate and with bipartisan support in the House.

Illinois Democrats are nearing a $56 billion state budget that includes new taxes on prediction markets, cryptocurrency, fantasy sports, digital advertising revenue, and large social media companies. The plan aims to offset federal funding cuts and increase food assistance without imposing taxes on 'everyday working families,' though progressive Democrats and Republicans have criticized it for insufficient funding and new levies.

The Illinois General Assembly is holding its final session day to pass critical legislation, including the 2027 state budget featuring a social media tax and casino tax changes. Lawmakers also face decisions on a potential bill to retain the Chicago Bears in Illinois and other measures like AI regulations and housing development laws.

Former UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has called for social media companies to be regulated like the tobacco industry, advocating a ban on under-16s accessing certain platforms. His comments come as the UK government concludes a consultation on age restrictions for social media use.

State prosecutors are increasing pressure on social media and AI companies to improve child safety measures as Congress remains deadlocked on federal legislation. States are pursuing investigations, settlements, and new laws to address the gap in federal action.

Australia is threatening to impose a 2.25 percent tax on the revenue of tech companies like Meta if they fail to negotiate deals with local media publishers to support journalism. The policy aims to ensure social media and search companies contribute to the sustainability of news content.

California Democrats Maggy Krell and Buffy Wicks have introduced a bill to hold social media companies legally accountable for failing to detect or remove child sexual abuse material on their platforms, citing the 'profound trauma' caused to children by online exploitation.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged ministers to take stronger action against social media companies spreading disinformation about London's crime rates and integration. A study highlights a surge in hostile accounts promoting falsehoods, which Khan warns could fuel domestic terrorism through online conspiracy theories.

Civil juries in Los Angeles County and Santa Fe, N.M., ruled that social media companies are responsible for harms caused to children by their products, potentially triggering a surge of similar lawsuits. The verdicts are seen as bellwether cases that could force industry changes.