UPDATE (February 18, 2026):
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ADAMS) – Social media in Indiana would be banned for anyone 17 years old and younger under a bill now before Governor Mike Braun. Lawmakers sent the bill to his desk this week after it was amended to include 17-year-olds, up from 16.
That change was made after 17-year-old Haley Buzbee of Fishers disappeared and was killed a few weeks ago.
Social media companies will be required to determine a user’s age and where they live, and minors will only be allowed to use the sites with parental approval.
Read more HERE
UPDATE (February 17, 2026):
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ADAMS) – Lawmakers have passed an amended bill to require anyone 17 and younger to have parental approval to be able to use social media in Indiana. The amendment came after the request of Governor Braun following the abduction and murder of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee of Fishers. Social media companies would have to use “commercially reasonable means” to determine a user’s age and residence.
Lawmakers are also considering creating a new Pink Alert system with fewer restrictions than are required to issue an Amber Alert for a missing and endangered juvenile.
Read more HERE
ORIGINAL STORY:
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ADAMS) – A new bill before the Indiana Senate is seeking to ban social media for anyone who is under 16 years old without having “verified” permission from their parents.
The legislation is authored by Republican Senator Mike Bohacek and would let parents and legal guardians sue providers who let their children access the site without their approval. Bohacek says they are not trying to regulate content.
The bill is expected to be voted on by the Senate Judiciary Committee next week.
Read more HERE
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