Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act (HB 1126)
Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act (HB 1126) in Mississippi: challenged, effective July 1, 2024 (enforceable pending appeal). Applies to Social media platforms. Age range: Under 18. Age verification for every user
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Category | Social Media |
| Status | challenged |
| Effective date | July 1, 2024 (enforceable pending appeal) |
| Age range | Under 18 |
| Applies to | Social media platforms |
Key requirements
- Age verification for every user
- Parental consent for minors under 18
- Data limitations for minor accounts
- Strategies to mitigate minors' exposure to harmful material
Notes
District court injunction (June 2025) stayed by the Fifth Circuit (July 17, 2025); Supreme Court denied emergency relief (July 21, 2025). Fifth Circuit heard the renewed appeal February 2, 2026 (NetChoice v. Fitch); ruling pending. Law is enforceable in the meantime.
Frequently asked
What does Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act (HB 1126) require?
Age verification for every user Parental consent for minors under 18 Data limitations for minor accounts Strategies to mitigate minors' exposure to harmful material
Who must comply with Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act (HB 1126) in Mississippi?
Social media platforms
When does Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act (HB 1126) take effect and what is its status?
Effective July 1, 2024 (enforceable pending appeal). Current status: challenged. District court injunction (June 2025) stayed by the Fifth Circuit (July 17, 2025); Supreme Court denied emergency relief (July 21, 2025). Fifth Circuit heard the renewed appeal February 2, 2026 (NetChoice v. Fitch); ruling pending. Law is enforceable in the meantime.
Related laws
| Law | Jurisdiction | Category | Status | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children's Social Media Safety Act (HB 5511) | Illinois | Social Media | pending | 2028 |
| Kids Over Clicks — Youth Online Safety Package (SB 757-760) | Michigan | Social Media | pending | TBD (pending House) |
| Nevada Youth Online Safety Act (SB 63) | Nevada | Social Media | active | January 1, 2026 |
| Social Media Safety Act (SB 396) & 2025 Amendments (Acts 900 / 901) | Arkansas | Social Media | blocked | N/A (enjoined) |
| Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act (SB 976) | California | Social Media | challenged | January 1, 2025 (partial); age verification January 1, 2027 |
| California Addictive Features Ban for Under-16s (AB 1709) | California | Social Media | pending | TBD (awaiting Governor) |
| Healthier Social Media Use by Youth Act (HB 24-1136) | Colorado | Social Media | blocked | N/A (enjoined) |
| Online Protections for Minors (HB 3) | Florida | Social Media | challenged | January 1, 2025 |
Put it into practice
- Generate the policy: COPPA policy generator (generatepolicy.com)
- Buy the policy pack: Privacy Program Bundle (cyberpolicy.shop)
- Build it yourself: 2026 US Privacy Program Workbook (ciso.diy)