Connecticut Lawmakers Push for Parental Controls
Lawmakers in Connecticut are advancing bills that would give parents more control over the content their children see on social media. The proposals are part of a broader policy momentum toward platform transparency and customizable controls, though they face criticism over potential privacy and censorship concerns.
- The primary bill, HB 5037, would require social media platforms to verify the age of users and obtain parental consent before allowing minors to be exposed to potentially addictive algorithmic content. - Governor Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong are key proponents of the legislation, citing concerns about the harmful impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of children. - Specific proposed controls include prohibiting notifications to minors between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. and making youth social media profiles private by default. - A similar bill passed the Connecticut House of Representatives in 2025 but was not brought to a vote in the Senate before the session ended. - The legislation would also mandate that social media companies issue a pop-up warning to minors about the mental health dangers of their platforms. - Tech industry groups, such as the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), have raised concerns that the bill's requirements could create significant compliance challenges and legal uncertainties. - If passed, the law would also require social media companies to report annually to the state on the number of minors on their platforms and the average time they spend on the service. - The proposals in Connecticut are modeled after similar legislative efforts in other states, including New York, California, and Utah, as part of a broader national trend.
