On February 19, 2025, the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) presented its testimony before the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee regarding a bill titled "Protections for Users of Social Media" (SB-25-086). The legislation aims to safeguard social media users, particularly those under 18.
Dr. Michal Luria from CDT provided an evidence-based perspective on the matter, recognizing both areas of consensus and research gaps. The organization acknowledges efforts to enhance online safety for children and supports initiatives that aim for effective solutions. However, it raised concerns based on current evidence.
"Youth utilize social media to connect with peers, feel accepted, and express themselves creatively — activities that are healthy and developmentally appropriate," noted Dr. Luria in her testimony. She highlighted that while the bill proposes notifications to inform minors about social media's health impacts, existing research is limited and often contradictory. This raises doubts about the efficacy of such notifications as they might oversimplify complex issues without offering meaningful guidance.
The bill emphasizes time spent online as a measure; however, experts argue that "screen time" is not a reliable indicator of harm. Instead, researchers suggest focusing on activity types since interactions with peers may affect users differently than content consumption.
A key strategy suggested by CDT's research is empowering young users with tools to navigate online risks rather than restricting their agency. Additionally, CDT advocates for making data more accessible for research purposes while ensuring privacy protection. With some platforms withdrawing from data-sharing initiatives, there could be legislative opportunities to enable vetted researchers to explore critical questions related to user safety online.
For further details on Dr. Luria's testimony and CDT's stance on this issue, interested parties can access the full document through CDT's platform.
