The Blubber

Per New York Times

Louisiana has just passed a new bill that will require parental consent for certain apps for users under 18. The consent would be required for popular services like Roblox, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and even Fortnite (video game).

Republican state legislator Laurie Schlegel, who spearheaded the new measure, clarified the bill and why they wanted it passed.

Schlegel: “This is already the law in Louisiana... We are just making it clear to some irresponsible online companies who are contracting with minors without parental consent.”

It was also noted that the bill clarified the existing contracting rules in the state regarding online accounts for platforms that allow users to share content. TechNet's executive director for Texas and the Southeast, Servando Esparza, gave a statement regarding the bill.

Esparza: “The bill will require all users to provide proof of their age in order to comply with the law and ask parents to provide proof that they are the minor’s parent in order to access the platform... This could jeopardize privacy and lead to unintended consequences,”

This comes after the Texas House tentatively approved new measures that would require people under 18 to gain parental consent for social media and other websites.

Recently, Oracle will "soon" gain access to TikTok's source code, algorithm, and content-moderation material.

See flow at unusualwhales.com/flow.

Other News:

• Texas House tentatively approved new measures that would require those under 18 to gain parental consent for social media and other websites
• Oracle will 'soon' gain access to TikTok's source code, algorithm, and content-moderation material

Resources:

The New York Times