Photo: Digital Vision
The Securing Children Online Through Parental Empowerment, or "SCOPE" Act, took effect in Texas this weekend, despite being partially blocked by a federal judge. The law requires online platforms to implement several new rules for children under the age of 18.
Among the new requirements for online platforms are duties to register the age of the person creating an account, limit the collection and use of personal information belonging to minors, and develop and implement a plan to prevent minors from being exposed to harmful materials.
The SCOPE Act will be enforced by the Consumer Protection Division of Attorney General Ken Paxton's office, and violations could cost a company up to $10,000 in civil penalties per violation, as well as attorney fees.
The law has faced pushback from the non-profit Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. They argued that it infringes on freedom of expression. U.S. District Judge Robert Pittman partially agreed and blocked portions of the law from taking effect.
You can read more about the SCOPE Act here: