Lawmakers look for ways to protect children from dangerous social media

Capitol Beat News Service

A Georgia law regulating social media companies was sidelined by a federal judge after the industry sued.

State lawmakers are exploring other ways to protect children from social media harms, including focusing on algorithm design and age verification.

Industry insiders and researchers testified that social media companies know their platforms can be harmful to children but prioritize engagement.

In a rare bipartisan act to protect children, Georgia legislators adopted a law last year that regulated social media companies.

But the industry sued and, for now, has sidelined the prohibition on advertising to children. The law also required platforms to obtain parental consent when minors signup for service.

The age verification mandate forces everyone to share