South Carolina Stop Harm from Addictive Social Media Act (HB 4591)
South Carolina Stop Harm from Addictive Social Media Act (HB 4591) in South Carolina: pending, effective January 1, 2027. Applies to Covered social media platforms with South Carolina account holders. Age range: Under 18. Platforms must estimate and verify the age of every South Carolina account hol
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Category | Social Media |
| Status | pending |
| Effective date | January 1, 2027 |
| Age range | Under 18 |
| Applies to | Covered social media platforms with South Carolina account holders |
Key requirements
- Platforms must estimate and verify the age of every South Carolina account holder
- Documented parental approval before minors may open or keep accounts
- Bans a broad range of 'addictive' platform features for minors
- Private right of action for children and parents (damages, injunctive relief, attorney's fees)
Notes
Signed by Governor McMaster May 19, 2026 (House 115-0, Senate 42-1). Second South Carolina children's online law of 2026 alongside the AADC (H. 3431).
Frequently asked
What does South Carolina Stop Harm from Addictive Social Media Act (HB 4591) require?
Platforms must estimate and verify the age of every South Carolina account holder Documented parental approval before minors may open or keep accounts Bans a broad range of 'addictive' platform features for minors Private right of action for children and parents (damages, injunctive relief, attorney's fees)
Who must comply with South Carolina Stop Harm from Addictive Social Media Act (HB 4591) in South Carolina?
Covered social media platforms with South Carolina account holders
When does South Carolina Stop Harm from Addictive Social Media Act (HB 4591) take effect and what is its status?
Effective January 1, 2027. Current status: pending. Signed by Governor McMaster May 19, 2026 (House 115-0, Senate 42-1). Second South Carolina children's online law of 2026 alongside the AADC (H. 3431).
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: Privacy policy generator (generatepolicy.com)
- Buy the policy pack: State Privacy Law Checklist (cyberpolicy.shop)
- Build it yourself: 2026 US Privacy Program Workbook (ciso.diy)