Technology (Social Media)

HB 4135 amends West Virginia's Sex Offender Registration Act to require registrants (individuals convicted of specified sex offenses) to provide all online identifiers, including social media usernames, email addresses, mobile app accounts, and phone numbers, upon registration. It also mandates that registrants permit police to inspect their mobile devices to verify these identifiers are fully disclosed. The bill directly affects anyone required to register under the Sex Offender Registry Act, adding specific digital footprint requirements beyond existing physical address and vehicle information. These provisions aim to enhance law enforcement's ability to track registrants' online activities by expanding the scope of required digital information.

SB 70 prohibits West Virginia state agencies and their employees or contractors (except law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity) from using or accessing social media platforms, applications, or artificial intelligence tools owned by entities located in "foreign countries of concern" (nations designated by U.S. regulations as adversaries). The bill bans downloading, using, or accessing such foreign-owned software on state-owned or leased internet-capable devices, including social media platforms owned by entities in designated adversary nations. It includes a waiver process allowing the Secretary of State to grant exceptions for specific job duties. The law aims to protect state government systems, citizen data, and access to government services from potential cyberattacks or surveillance by foreign entities.

SB 628 requires commercial websites distributing material harmful to minors (defined as pornographic content appealing to minors' prurient interests and lacking serious value) to verify users are 18+ using age-verification tools. It directly affects websites hosting such content by mandating age checks before access, with violations triggering civil liability for damages and legal fees. The bill excludes liability for internet service providers (e.g., hosting platforms) and focuses on content distributors. This policy change aims to prevent minors from accessing prohibited material online through mandatory age verification.