Social media; categorizing social media platforms as addictive. Effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Moore and 1 co-sponsor

SB 839 would create a framework to classify certain social media platforms as addictive and may impose regulatory duties or reporting requirements based on that assessment.

Placed on General Order

Summary of SB 839 (Oklahoma, 2026)

Purpose and intent

SB 839 seeks to categorize certain social media platforms as addictive. The bill aims to address concerns about the potential for social media use to be habit-forming or detrimental, and to provide a framework for officials or stakeholders to consider regulatory or oversight approaches based on the platform’s design and effects.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by the bill’s title and action history)

Classifies “social media platforms” under a definition that includes online platforms or services that facilitate user-generated content, interaction, and consumption.

Establishes a criteria or framework to determine when a platform is considered addictive. This could involve factors such as design features, engagement metrics, or potential harm to users (though the exact criteria are not detailed in the provided summary).

Creates potential duties, reporting requirements, or regulatory considerations for categorizing platforms based on addiction potential. This may enable subsequent rulemaking, oversight, or policy actions by state agencies or legislators.

Sets an effective date or timeline for implementation, with potential phased or conditional applicability depending on the platform class or evaluation outcomes.

Who would be affected

Social media platforms operating or offering services accessible in Oklahoma.

Users of social media platforms within Oklahoma, particularly if the bill leads to related regulatory actions or consumer protections.

State agencies or legislative bodies responsible for technology, communications, or consumer protection oversight, which may be tasked with applying the categorization framework or pursuing related actions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Authorship and sponsorship: Introduced by Senator Thompson, with co-sponsors Senator Kristen Thompson, and House co-sponsor Anthony Moore.

Key committee actions:

February 3, 2025: First Reading; referred to Technology and Telecommunications.
February 4, 2025: Second Reading; reported to be on the General Order.
March 3, 2025: Coauthored by House Rep. Moore.
March 6, 2025: Reported Do Pass by the Technology and Telecommunications committee; a committee measure (CR) filed.
March 11, 2025: Placed on General Order for consideration.

The bill’s exact statutory language, definitions of “addictive,” and any enforcement mechanisms are not provided here. If enacted, subsequent implementing rules or legislation could specify examination standards, penalties, or consumer protections.

Potential impacts to monitor

If platforms are categorized as addictive, possible downstream effects could include heightened regulatory scrutiny, targeted consumer protection measures, or requirements for platform disclosures about design features or their impact on users.

Businesses operating social media platforms may need to assess product features, user engagement strategies, and compliance with any future state guidelines or reporting requirements.

Public discussion and policy considerations around digital wellbeing, youth protection, and the responsibilities of technology companies.

Note: This summary is based on the bill’s title and available action history. For a precise understanding, the exact statutory language, definitions, and any fiscal notes or amendments should be reviewed once the bill’s full text is available.