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HB 173

Consumer protection; access by minors to certain platform portions restricted; hours for sending notifications to covered minors limited; default platform settings on certain platforms required; mechanism for more stringent optional settings required; annual disclosure of certain data by covered operators required; violations a deceptive trade practice

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Robbins

Alabama bill restricts minors' platform access, limits notification times, and mandates stronger privacy defaults with annual data disclosure requirements for social media operators.

Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Children and Senior Advocacy
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Bill Summary · HB 173

Legislative bill overview

HB 173 restricts minors' access to certain portions of social media and online platforms, limits notification hours to young users, and requires platforms to implement stronger default privacy settings. The bill also mandates annual data disclosures from covered platform operators and classifies violations as deceptive trade practices under Alabama law.

Why is this important

This bill addresses growing concerns about minors' screen time, data privacy, and digital wellbeing by imposing operational requirements on major platforms. It represents a state-level attempt to regulate tech company practices affecting children without waiting for federal legislation, potentially influencing how platforms operate nationally if other states follow suit.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Restricting platform access and content availability to minors may face constitutional challenges regarding free speech protections
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's references to "certain platform portions" and "covered operators" lack specificity—unclear which platforms/features are targeted and what size thresholds apply
  • Compliance burden: Annual disclosure requirements and mandatory setting changes could impose significant technical and legal costs on platforms, potentially affecting smaller companies disproportionately
  • Enforceability questions: How Alabama would enforce requirements against out-of-state companies and whether interstate commerce issues arise

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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