Privacy Law Library

Social Media Platforms and Minors (account unpublish/deletion; online safety center)

CT Social Media Minors

Children

Requires social media platforms to unpublish a minor's account within 15 business days and delete it (and stop processing the minor's data) within 45 business days of a request by the minor or, for under-16s, a parent. From July 1, 2026 parents cannot be forced to open an account to make the request, and platforms must provide an online safety center and a cyberbullying policy by October 1, 2026.

Where
Connecticut
Citation
Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-528 (P.A. 23-56, s. 7, amended by P.A. 25-113, s. 13); 42-530 (P.A. 25-113, s. 4)
Status
In force
In force since
2024-07-01
Last amended
2026-07-01
Enforced by
Connecticut Attorney General (solely; Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-528(d))
People can sue
No
Penalties
Violations of 42-528 are CUTPA unfair trade practices enforced solely by the Attorney General (up to $5,000 per wilful violation under 42-110o). 42-530 contains no separate penalty clause.
Applies to
  • Social media platforms used by consumers in Connecticut: public or semi-public services primarily for social interaction that let users build profiles, list connections and post content (42-528(a)); excludes email and certain direct-messaging and other services

What a privacy notice must say

  • Establish and describe in a privacy notice secure and reliable means to submit unpublish or delete requests; do not require a parent to create an account to submit one.Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-528(b)(3)-(4)

Rights it gives people

  • Unpublish a minor's account within 15 business days of a request from the minor or, if under 16, a parent or guardian.Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-528(b)(1)
  • Delete a minor's account and cease processing the minor's personal data within 45 business days of a request (extendable once by 45 business days with notice).Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-528(b)(2)

Other duties

  • Incorporate an online safety center with cyberbullying-prevention and mental health resources and an explanation of reporting mechanisms, and adopt a cyberbullying policy, by October 1, 2026.Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-530(b)-(c) · From 2026-10-01

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-09-25 by research agent (Claude), primary sources.

Research reference, not legal advice.