SC H3431

Requires social media companies to exercise reasonable care in platform design and data use to prevent harms to minors including compulsive usage, psychological harm, severe emotional distress, and identity theft

Mandates default privacy settings at the highest protection level for minors, including opt-out of personalized recommendation systems, disabled targeted advertising, and restrictions on data collection to only what is necessary

Prohibits "dark patterns" (manipulative user interface designs) and requires platforms to provide tools allowing users to disable features like infinite scroll, auto-playing videos, gamification elements, and engagement metrics

Requires parental tools be provided by default, enabling parents to manage account settings, restrict purchases, limit screen time, and block platform access during specified hours including school time and nighttime

Mandates annual public reports by independent auditors detailing platform design features, data practices, and minor safety measures, with enforcement by the Attorney General and treble damages for violations