TN Gov. Lee signs ‘Protecting Children from Social Media Act’ [Video]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Governor Bill Lee signed a bill into law that will require social media companies to obtain permission from parents before known minors can create an account starting next year.

Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill in April that they said was aimed at protecting children online by restricting their ability to make social media accounts on their own. HB 1891 was introduced by Rep. William Lamberth (R – Portland). It passed the House on March 25 and the Senate on April 8 with bipartisan support.

The law is called the “Protecting Children from Social Media Act.” It requires social media companies to verify or deny new accounts to people under 18 years old who aren’t emancipated. If minors try to make an account and a social media company can tell it’s a minor, the company …