New Law Targets Youth Social Media Use

Idaho lawmakers approved House Bill 542 during the 2025 legislative session, mandating that social media companies verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before allowing anyone under 16 to create or maintain an account in the state.

Representative Jaron Crane, a sponsor of the legislation, said the measure aims to give parents greater control over their children’s online activity while reducing what he described as addictive features on social platforms.

Age Verification and Parental Controls

The bill requires social media companies to confirm a user’s age through methods beyond self-reported information, such as birthdays entered when creating an account. According to Crane, platforms would instead determine age based on user behavior and interests, which he said differ significantly between minors and adults.

Even with parental permission, minors would face restrictions on certain platform features. The legislation requires companies to remove or limit elements lawmakers identified as potentially addictive, including auto-play videos and infinite scrolling.

Crane compared the dopamine response from social media interactions—likes, comments, and shares—to the effects of addictive substances, arguing that such features are designed to keep users engaged for extended periods.

Geographic Limitations

The law applies only within Idaho’s borders. Crane explained that social media platforms could use location services to determine when a user is in the state, meaning the restrictions would not apply when Idaho residents travel outside the state.

Opposition from Industry and Civil Liberties Groups

The proposal has drawn criticism from technology industry representatives and free speech advocates who argue it could infringe on minors’ constitutional rights.

Aidan Downey of the Computer and Communications Industry Association said the bill could restrict young people’s access to lawful information, including news, political content, and online support communities. Downey argued that the legislation treats all social media as harmful and effectively requires teenagers to obtain permission to access legal information.

First-in-Nation Approach

Idaho’s legislation is the first in the nation to directly regulate features designed to increase user engagement on social media platforms. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for final approval.