Virginia Social Media Screen Time Limits (SB 854 / VCDPA Amendment)
Virginia Social Media Screen Time Limits (SB 854 / VCDPA Amendment) in Virginia: blocked, effective January 1, 2026 (enjoined). Applies to Social media platform operators serving Virginia users. Age range: Under 16. Must determine if user is under 16 using commercially reasonable methods
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Category | Social Media |
| Status | blocked |
| Effective date | January 1, 2026 (enjoined) |
| Age range | Under 16 |
| Applies to | Social media platform operators serving Virginia users |
Key requirements
- Must determine if user is under 16 using commercially reasonable methods
- Limit minor's social media use to one hour per day (unless parent adjusts limit)
- Age verification data cannot be used for purposes other than age determination
- Parents must be provided tools to manage and modify daily usage limits
- Penalties of $7,000 per violation
Notes
Preliminarily enjoined February 27, 2026 (NetChoice v. Jones). Fourth Circuit denied Virginia's motion to lift the injunction 2-1 on August 25, 2026; the appeal continues with the law blocked.
Frequently asked
What does Virginia Social Media Screen Time Limits (SB 854 / VCDPA Amendment) require?
Must determine if user is under 16 using commercially reasonable methods Limit minor's social media use to one hour per day (unless parent adjusts limit) Age verification data cannot be used for purposes other than age determination Parents must be provided tools to manage and modify daily usage limits Penalties of $7,000 per violation
Who must comply with Virginia Social Media Screen Time Limits (SB 854 / VCDPA Amendment) in Virginia?
Social media platform operators serving Virginia users
When does Virginia Social Media Screen Time Limits (SB 854 / VCDPA Amendment) take effect and what is its status?
Effective January 1, 2026 (enjoined). Current status: blocked. Preliminarily enjoined February 27, 2026 (NetChoice v. Jones). Fourth Circuit denied Virginia's motion to lift the injunction 2-1 on August 25, 2026; the appeal continues with the law blocked.
Related laws
| Law | Jurisdiction | Category | Status | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Consumer Data Privacy Act | Virginia | Consumer Privacy | active | January 1, 2025 |
| 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) |
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)