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Bill

HB 1148

Protections for Youth on Social Media

2026 Regular Session

Colorado HB 1148 establishes protections for minors on social media platforms, now under Judiciary Committee review.

House Committee on Judiciary Postpone Indefinitely
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Bill Summary · HB 1148

Legislative bill overview

HB 1148 is a Colorado bill that establishes protections for minors using social media platforms, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the limited information available. The bill was recently introduced in the House and assigned to the Judiciary Committee for review. This legislation reflects growing national concern about youth safety online, including issues like algorithmic content curation, data privacy, and mental health impacts.

Why is this important

Social media use among youth has become ubiquitous, with studies documenting potential links to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. State-level legislation like this addresses gaps in federal regulation and attempts to establish baseline protections before companies self-regulate. The bill's outcome could influence whether Colorado becomes a model for other states pursuing similar youth protection measures.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Restrictions on algorithm recommendations or content moderation could face legal challenges regarding free speech rights
  • Business impact and compliance costs: Tech companies may argue that age verification, content filtering, or other safety features impose substantial operational and financial burdens
  • Definitional ambiguity: Questions about what constitutes "harmful" content, "addictive" design, or appropriate restrictions require clear legislative language to avoid unintended consequences
  • Parental autonomy vs. government mandate: Disagreement over whether parents or government should set primary boundaries on youth social media access

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

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