COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – South Carolina lawmakers have passed a bill aimed at improving social media safety for minors by placing new restrictions on large tech companies and altering how online platforms deliver content to children.

The measure, now headed to Gov. Henry McMaster for review, would require major social media companies to provide tools to limit addictive features, scale back data collection on minors, and prohibit targeted advertising to users under 18.

“Ultimately, our ultimate goal is to keep kids safe online,” said Rep. Brandon Guffey, R-York.

State Sen. Sean Bennett, R‑Dorchester, said data shows social media is harming children. “The data shows every day [kids] are more and more damaged by social media screen time, those sorts of things,” Bennett said.

But for small businesses that rely on social media, the bill raises concerns.

Charleston Gourmet Burger Co., which uses platforms like Instagram and Facebook to promote its products, is concerned that the changes could make it harder to reach customers.

“With our business right now, the only way — and the best way — to be able to reach customers and spread the word about our platform and what we offer people is social media,” said owners Monique and Chevalo Wilsondebriano.

Bennett said the bill targets only large tech companies — those making more than $25 million annually, collecting data from more than 50,000 users, or earning at least half their revenue from selling user data. Small businesses, he said, “shouldn’t necessarily be caught up in that process.”

“I will tell you this, however,” Bennett added. “I think it sends a message in South Carolina that if you’re going to do business, do business the right way.”

Lawmakers say this bill is only the beginning; a hearing on additional legislation to further tighten protections for minors on social media is scheduled for later this week.

“We’ve seen the anxiety — I mean, this entire generation is named the anxious generation,” said Rep. Brandon Guffey, R‑York. “And a lot of it is linking back to social media.”

McMaster’s office said he will review the bill once it arrives on his desk.

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