politics
Massachusetts Governor Healey Cancels Social Media Legislation Unveiling Due to Schedule Change
Governor Maura Healey's office canceled a planned unveiling of social media protection legislation for teens on Tuesday morning, citing a schedule change. The event was set for the day after House lawmakers announced a bill to ban children under 14 from using social media and restrict cellphone use in schools. Healey had pledged the legislation in her January State of the Commonwealth address.
Apr 7, 10:27 AM·1m read1 source
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Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey's office announced on Monday evening a news conference scheduled for Tuesday morning at the State House to unveil legislation aimed at protecting teens on social media. The legislation was part of a pledge Healey made in her January State of the Commonwealth address to prevent social media companies from targeting children for profit, including requirements for parental consent and age verification on social media apps.
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on Tuesday, the office canceled the event, stating it would be rescheduled to a later date. A spokesperson for Healey cited a schedule change as the reason for the cancellation but did not provide specific details. The planned unveiling followed an announcement by state House lawmakers on Monday that they would take up a bill on Wednesday.
That bill seeks to prohibit social media companies from allowing children under 14 to have accounts on their platforms and requires verifiable parental consent for children aged 14 or 15.
The House bill also aims to restrict cellphone use in schools.
House Democratic leaders described the measure as among the most restrictive in the country. Lawmakers have tasked Attorney General Andrea Campbell with developing enforcement regulations by September 1. If the bill passes the Senate and is signed by Healey, it would take effect on October 1.
The state Senate passed its own bill last year to ban cellphone use in schools. The Senate has also advanced measures to prevent tech companies from selling children's personal data. Healey's proposed legislation addresses similar concerns about social media's impact on youth.
The cancellation leaves the timing of its introduction uncertain. Stakeholders, including parents, educators, and tech companies, await further developments on these protections.
