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In a move aimed at protecting the privacy and safety of minors online, the Governor of Iowa signed a bill into law on May 24, 2026, that will require minors to obtain parental permission before creating an account on social media platforms.The new law, known as the Parental Consent for Minor's Social Media Act, applies to individuals under the age of 18 and is the first of its kind in the United States. Under the law, minors will be required to obtain written permission from a parent or guardian before creating an account on popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.Governor John Doe, who championed the bill, stated that the law is necessary to protect minors from online predators and ensure that parents are aware of their children's online activities. "The internet can be a dangerous place for young people, and it is our responsibility to take necessary steps to protect them," Governor Doe said in a statement.The bill has received mixed reactions from lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters of the legislation argue that it is a necessary step to protect minors from online dangers, while opponents claim that it infringes on minors' rights to privacy and freedom of speech.Under the new law, social media platforms will be required to implement measures to verify the age and parental consent of minors before allowing them to create an account. Failure to comply with the law could result in fines for social media companies.The Iowa Department of Education will be responsible for enforcing the new law, and parents will have the option to monitor their children's online activities through a designated online portal provided by the department.The Parental Consent for Minor's Social Media Act will go into effect on January 1, 2027, giving social media platforms time to implement the necessary measures to comply with the law.