Changes could be coming to how minors in South Dakota access certain cell phone apps.
The state legislative committee is looking at ways the state can regulate internet access by minors following a meeting with Meta officials..
The Global Director of Youth Safety for Meta, the parent company that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp met with state lawmakers last week and told them about a new teen account category launched on Instagram.
“The process is simple. When a parent gets their teen a smartphone or a device, the parent can easily go into their Apple or Google account, add their teen’s profile, and confirm that they are either the parent or guardian and the teen’s age," said Nichole Lopez. Parents are likely already engaged because they are going to purchase their teen’s first smart phone. They are going to help set it up and it’s a natural moment to verify the age and relationship. And parents will only have to do this once,” said Lopez.
Lopez said after these steps are taken parents would get a request for any future downloads their child makes.
Lawmakers are currently drafting proposals to attempt to add regulation to online access by youth.
The state Attorney General’s office has also drafted multiple versions of possible legislation on the topic.
Lopez said Meta prefers a method of app stores requiring parental or guardian consent prior to permitting the child to download an application.
“They provide the age range of the teen. Meaning under 16 or over 16. This allows the teen to then download the app on the phone. And because the app knows what the age range is that your teen is in, it can make sure that they are in the right experience,” said Lopez.
The committee meets again for the fourth and possibly final time in late October.
