Alaska could be the next state to crack down on AI-generated CSAM and restrict kids’ social media use

The Alaska House of Representatives unanimously passed HB47, a bill that places strict limits on when and how minors use social media apps, as well as prohibiting the generation or distribution of harmful deepfakes to children.

The original form of the bill sought to ban the possession and distribution of sexually explicit images of children using AI, but Alaska lawmakers moved to add amendments that would place restrictions on social media. Proposed limitations include a statewide curfew on social media use between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., banning “addictive design features” and requiring social media platforms to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent if they are minors.

Although the House bill received 39 votes in favor and zero against, the amendments gave some indication of possible future revisions. Before the bill came up for a vote, some House representatives expressed concern about adding such broad social media rules without first consulting the companies behind them.

The bill must still be passed by the Alaska State Senate, which has already introduced a companion bill, and by the governor. Alaska is following in the footsteps of many other states, and the House even modeled its social media amendments in the HB47 bill after Utah’s model. While Utah was the first to propose social media restrictions for children, it was later met with a preliminary injunction.