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Bill

S 1103

Stop Harm from Addictive Social Media

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Elliott

South Carolina bill restricts social media platforms' addictive design features targeting minors, aiming to reduce engagement-maximizing mechanisms that harm adolescent mental health.

Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
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Bill Summary · S 1103

Legislative bill overview

S 1103 proposes restrictions on social media platforms' use of addictive design features targeting minors in South Carolina. The bill aims to limit algorithmic recommendations, infinite scroll, notification systems, and other mechanisms designed to maximize user engagement among users under 18. It would establish enforcement mechanisms and potential penalties for non-compliant platforms.

Why is this important

Social media addiction among adolescents correlates with documented increases in anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption, making this a significant public health concern. The bill represents an attempt to regulate technology company business practices at the state level, which could set precedent for similar legislation nationally and challenge the current regulatory vacuum around social media design practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional free speech concerns: Restrictions on algorithmic speech and content curation may face First Amendment challenges regarding platform editorial discretion and free expression
  • Enforcement and definitions: The bill must precisely define "addictive design features" to avoid being too vague or overly broad, which could be practically difficult and create unintended consequences
  • Interstate commerce complications: Single-state regulation of social media could create fragmented compliance burdens and raise questions about dormant Commerce Clause limitations on state authority
  • Practical implementation: Determining age of users and monitoring compliance across platforms operating nationwide presents significant technical and privacy challenges

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

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