South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed a broad law restricting addictive social media features for minors, including stronger privacy protections and a ban on targeted advertising to users under 16.

The law applies to major platforms and requires tools to limit addictive features for users under 18, while reducing data collection and prohibiting targeted ads aimed at minors.

Tech officials abroad weighed in, with the UK technology secretary underscoring the need to prepare young people for the digital world, reflecting broader concerns about digital literacy and safety.

The narrative emphasizes the legislative measure, its objectives, and expected outcomes for minors and parents within the broader policy debate.

The report outlines which features are restricted, how enforcement will work, potential penalties, and reactions from stakeholders through a video-focused presentation.

Key provisions include age thresholds, targeted features like infinite scroll, autoplay, and notifications, and the timelines for compliance.

Context is provided by the ongoing debate on youth mental health and tech addiction, with references to related studies or prior legislation to frame the law's significance.

Lawmakers, advocates, and industry voices are included, along with scenarios showing how platforms and minors will be affected.

Meta proposes a complementary approach, suggesting age verification at phone setup to block underage access to certain features, illustrating industry responses.

Rep. Brandon Guffey led the effort, arguing the rules curb habit-forming engagement and dopamine-driven feedback loops among children.

Parents and educators have voiced concerns about how excessive social media use can affect children’s development and executive functioning, a motivation for the law.

The law requires platforms to flag users under 16 and enable enhanced safety features, including parental control dashboards and halting direct marketing to minors.