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Puerto Rico.- The Vice President of the Senate, Marissa Jiménez, introduced a bill that proposes restricting access to social media for minors under 16 and creating a new Code for the Use of Social Media by Minors.
n” “nThe measure seeks to group various initiatives related to the protection of minors on digital platforms into a single piece of legislation, as well as to incorporate provisions inspired by legislation passed in states such as California, Maryland, and South Carolina.
n” “nAmong the proposals included is the restriction of social media use by minors under 16 years of age on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Discord, Twitch, and X, among others.
n” “nThe project would also require businesses that sell mobile phones, computers, and tablets to display QR codes with detailed information about tools and parental controls available to limit or monitor minors’ access to these platforms.
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Furthermore, the measure proposes amending the Civil Code to facilitate claims for damages related to algorithms designed to increase the time minors spend on social media.
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n” “nThe initiative arises amidst growing debates regarding the impact of digital platforms on the mental health of children and adolescents. According to the explanatory memorandum, the proposal takes into consideration recent judicial decisions in the United States related to allegations of addiction and emotional harm linked to the use of social media.
n” “nThe bill would also order the Department of the Family, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO), and the Office of Innovation and Technology Services (PRITS) to develop educational campaigns aimed at parents and guardians regarding the risks associated with the prolonged use of these platforms and the tools available to monitor the digital activity of minors.
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As part of the complementary legislation, Jiménez announced that he will propose expanding the oversight powers of the Office Against Obscenity and Child Pornography on Radio, Television and the Internet (OCOPI), attached to DACO, to supervise compliance with requirements related to parental controls on sales platforms and social networks.
n” “nThe senator also proposed designating July 1st of each year as Social Media Risk Awareness Day for Minors, with the color yellow as the symbol of the educational campaign.
n” “nThe measure must now begin the corresponding legislative process in the Legislative Assembly.
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