Proposals could create new regulations to protect Illinois kids using social media

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers could pass multiple bills this year to help keep your kids safe on social media.

Rep. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) hopes Illinois can require high default privacy settings for online and social media companies where minors are reasonably likely to access services, products or features. Rezin has held multiple roundtable discussions with parents to help craft legislation for her "Safe Screens Healthy Minds" initiative.

Senate Bill 3334 calls on social media companies to provide a description of steps taken to act in the best interest of children. The Illinois Age-Appropriate Design Code Act is based on a California law. However, Rezin told reporters Wednesday that her bill requires clear language and tools to help children and parents exercise their privacy rights and report concerns.

"While social media offers immense opportunities for communication and for learning, we know from research and from whistleblowers that they pose a significant risk to our youth," Rezin said.

A separate plan could require social media companies to provide a free customer support service to address complaints. The bill would add social media to the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Under Senate Bill 3355, social media companies would have to address valid complains about inappropriate content within three days or potentially face fines.

"Far too often, people rightly report inappropriate content on these platforms only to see their complaints go unanswered for weeks or even months," Rezin explained.

Rezin noted that each of her proposals require companies to assess whether their products could result in physical, mental or financial harm to kids. She hopes to file another bill in the coming weeks to require social media companies to create an identity verification process to protect minors online.

Many parents and teachers told Rezin the state needs to ensure there is identity verification on popular websites and applications to prevent kids from talking to people who may trick or harm them.

"If they're challenged, that's okay," Rezin stressed. "I'm not afraid of having my bill be challenged through the court system. But we're sending a message that if the federal government cannot enact the safety precautions to protect our children, then the states need to stand up and start passing these bills."

Rezin filed Senate Bill 3334 and Senate Bill 3355 Wednesday. Both proposals could be assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks. Rezin thanked Sen. Rob Martwick (D-Chicago) for holding a Senate Judiciary hearing in September to start the conversation about her legislation.