Should public officials be allowed to block constituents on social media?
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to answer that question as a new term gets underway. The justices will hear two cases on the issue out of California and Michigan in which lower courts ruled differently.
Arkansas social media age verification law struck down by federal court
Law would’ve been the first to restrict social network access based on age and parental permission.
New ‘kidfluencer’ law allows child social media stars to sue parents
Illinois became the first in the nation to require parents to set aside kids’ gross earnings in a trust. If they don’t, children can sue.
More states look to boost kids’ social media literacy
Florida now mandates that it be taught in public schools. Other states may follow in a bid to deal with the youth mental health crisis.
Politicians understand that Taylor Swift fans are a key demographic
COMMENTARY | Taylor Swift could help policymakers to never go out of style. Leaning into social media trends, such as Swift’s long-awaited The Eras Tour, could win the favor of constituents and boost local economies.
Lawmakers guilty of ‘do something disease’ with social media bans
While experts agree that something must be done to prevent the worst effects of the platforms on minors, they caution that the current efforts are technologically unsound and undermine civil liberties.
‘Thready or not,’ the public sector is jumping onto the latest social media platform
One expert shares tips for navigating the still-evolving world of Threads. Plus, a roundup of our favorite state and local government introductory posts.
Teens experience unprecedented mental health problems. Are social media restrictions the solution?
Some say limiting adolescents' access to social media will protect their mental health from harmful content and users, but experts argue there are less restrictive options available.
Lawmakers concerned White House will let TikTok stay in the US
Two Republican lawmakers warned that tweaked language in a new Commerce Department rule could lay the groundwork for TikTok’s proposal to store U.S. users’ data in the country.
Digital literacy, not bans, should shape states' approach to social media
Protecting children from harmful content is important, but states should help young people understand the platforms’ risks and make informed decisions about what to view, experts say.
A balancing act: Adding humor to government communications
COMMENTARY | Local and state agencies walk a fine line between showing their personality through humor and remaining factual.
Louisiana bans TikTok on state networks and devices. Will it make any difference?
The law does little to protect state-owned devices and personal data, cybersecurity experts say.
Lawmakers Try to Keep Kids Off Social Media, Porn Sites
Skeptics doubt legislators’ ability to thwart tech-savvy teens.
A TikTok ban isn’t a data security solution. It will be difficult to enforce – and could end up hurting users
Montana recently banned downloading the popular social media app TikTok within state lines, but some question if the law could be enforced and if it actually protects user's data.
Montana Ban Targets TikTok, Along with China and Big Tech
State lawmakers are treading on new ground with an outright ban, but legislators around the country are concerned about the reach of social media. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Should governments ban TikTok? Can they?
A cybersecurity expert explains the risks the app poses and the challenges to blocking it.
Enforcement Questions Dog State’s Proposed TikTok Ban
One expert derided legislation like Montana’s statewide ban on TikTok as unenforceable from a technological point of view. What's more, states acting individually to ban foreign-made technology can be problematic, researchers say.
Enforcement questions dog state’s proposed TikTok ban
One expert derided legislation like Montana’s statewide ban on TikTok as “breathtakingly obtuse” and unenforceable from a technological point of view.
Twitter turmoil prompts agencies to plan for social media upsets
Agencies must find ways to adapt to changes in Twitter’s operations to ensure residents still receive the information they need, experts say.
Montana Could Be First State to Ban TikTok
Lawmakers approved legislation to prevent the app from operating within the state, but critics said it has no clear enforcement plan and violates the U.S. Constitution.
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