SF1807

This bill (S.F. No. 1807) proposed in the Minnesota Senate seeks to introduce consumer protection regulations for social media platforms by requiring them to display mental health warning labels and popup timer notifications to users. The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Mental Health Warning Label (Section 325M.335, Subd. 1):

   • Social media platforms must display a conspicuous mental health warning each time a user accesses the platform.
   • The warning must stay visible until the user either exits the platform or acknowledges the potential risks and chooses to proceed.
   • The warning must:
     • Inform users of potential negative mental health impacts.
     • Provide access to mental health resources, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
   • Platforms cannot place the warning solely in terms and conditions, obscure its visibility, or allow users to disable it.

2. Content of Warning Label (Subd. 2):

   • The Minnesota Commissioner of Health, in consultation with the Commissioner of Commerce, must develop evidence-based guidelines for these warning labels.
   • These guidelines may be revised periodically, and the agency is exempt from formal rulemaking processes.

3. Popup Timer Notification (Subd. 3):

   • Social media platforms must display a notification every 30 minutes of active use, informing the user:
     1. They have continuously used the platform for that period.
     2. The total amount of time they have spent on the platform that day.
   • The notification must remain visible until the user acknowledges it.
   • Users may be given the option to:
     • Deactivate the notification.
     • Customize the time interval, but the maximum delay cannot exceed 60 minutes.

This bill aims to raise awareness about the potential mental health impacts of prolonged social media use and encourage users to monitor their screen time. It is currently referred to the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee for further discussion and review.