Social Media Laws in Minnesota (2026): Protect Yourself Online

Most people scroll social media daily without thinking twice. But Minnesota has strict laws that could seriously affect you. Whether you create content, share posts, or just use apps, you need to know these rules.

Let’s break down what’s legal and what’s not.

What Are Social Media Laws?

Social media laws control how platforms work and how people use them. These laws protect users from harm. They also make sure companies treat your data fairly.

Minnesota started passing these laws in 2023. The state wanted to protect kids, fight fake content, and give you control over your personal information. Honestly, the rules are getting stricter every year.

Think of it like traffic laws but for the internet. Break them and you could face serious penalties.

Mental Health Warning Labels (Coming July 2026)

Here’s something new. Starting July 1, 2026, you’ll see warning labels on social media. Every single time you log in.

The warning must tell you that social media can harm your mental health. It has to provide resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline. You can’t disable these warnings unless you exit the app completely.

Sound annoying? Maybe. But Minnesota is the first state in the country to require this. The law passed in 2025 after research showed links between social media and depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

Wondering if this applies to all platforms? Yep, basically all of them. YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook. If it’s a social media platform doing business in Minnesota, they have to comply.

The warnings can’t be hidden in the terms and conditions. They must be conspicuous and clear. Companies that ignore this face investigation by the Minnesota Attorney General.

Usage Time Notifications

Wait, there’s more. Platforms must show you pop-up notifications every 30 minutes. The notification tells you how long you’ve been scrolling. It also shows your total time for the day.

You can customize this to happen every 60 minutes max. But you can’t turn it off completely.

This law also takes effect July 2026. Pretty straightforward.

Child Content Creator Protection (Effective July 2025)

This one’s probably the most important rule. Minnesota banned making money off kids under 14 in social media content. Totally banned.

Let me break this down. If a child under 14 appears in at least 30 percent of your content in a month, you’re violating the law. This applies when you’re earning money from those videos.

For kids ages 14 to 17, different rules apply. They must get 30 percent of the earnings. That money goes into a trust account they can access at 18.

The law was passed in 2024 and went into effect July 1, 2025. Minnesota became the second state after Illinois to protect kid influencers. The law came after several high-profile cases of parents exploiting their children online.

Not sure what counts as monetized content? If you earn at least 10 cents per view, it counts. If your platform pays you based on views or ads, it counts.

There’s more. Kids age 13 or older can request deletion of content featuring them. You have to comply. Adults who were featured as children can also demand removal.

Breaking this law is serious. Content creators face civil penalties and potential criminal charges.

Deepfake Content Laws (Since August 2023)

Minnesota made deepfakes illegal in 2023. Two types are banned.

First, nonconsensual sexual deepfakes. Creating or sharing AI-generated pornographic images of someone without their consent is a crime. The penalty is up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

That’s way more serious than you might think.

Second, political deepfakes. Using deepfakes to influence elections within 90 days of voting day is also illegal. The penalties range from 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine up to five years in prison and $10,000 fine for repeat offenses.

Victims can also sue you. Civil damages can reach up to $10,000 per violation.

Hold on, this part is important. The law defines deepfakes as videos, images, or recordings created using technical means rather than physical impersonation. They must be realistic enough to deceive people.

There are some exceptions. Using deepfakes for criminal investigations, reporting unlawful conduct, or legitimate news is allowed. You just have to clearly label them as deepfakes.

Honestly, this law makes sense. Deepfakes can destroy reputations and spread dangerous misinformation.

Consumer Data Privacy Act (Effective July 31, 2025)

Minnesota joined 19 other states with comprehensive data privacy laws. The Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act took effect July 31, 2025.

This law gives you serious power over your personal data. You have the right to know what data companies collect. You can access it, correct it, delete it, or get a copy.

You can opt out of targeted advertising. You can stop companies from selling your data. You can even challenge decisions made by automated profiling systems.

Pretty much any information linked to you counts as personal data. Your name, email, browsing history, location data, and biometric information all qualify.

The law applies to companies that handle data for at least 100,000 Minnesota residents. Or companies that earn over 25 percent of revenue from selling personal data and process data for 25,000 residents.

Small businesses are mostly exempt. But they still can’t sell your sensitive data without consent.

What’s sensitive data? Information about your race, religion, health, sexuality, citizenship, or location. Also genetic and biometric data. And any data about kids under 13.

Companies must provide clear privacy notices. They have to honor your requests within 45 days. They need your consent before selling sensitive information.

Breaking these rules costs companies up to $7,500 per violation. The Minnesota Attorney General enforces the law.

Until January 31, 2026, companies get a 30-day cure period. After that, enforcement gets strict.

You’re not alone if this sounds complicated. Most people don’t realize how much data companies collect.

Social Media Platform Transparency Requirements

This law is super technical but important. It took effect in 2024.

Social media platforms must publicly post information about their algorithms. They have to explain how they limit spam and excessive interactions. They must detail how they rank content in your feed.

Platforms need to show statistics about user engagement. The data must cover different percentile groups of users.

They also have to explain notification systems. How many notifications do users get? Which ones are time-sensitive?

The goal is transparency. You deserve to know how platforms manipulate what you see.

Companies that violate these rules face civil enforcement by the Attorney General.

Nudification Technology Ban (Proposed 2025)

Minnesota lawmakers introduced a bill in 2025 to ban nudification apps. These are apps that use AI to make clothed people appear naked in photos.

If passed, the law would allow victims to sue for at least $500,000 per violation. The Attorney General could also bring criminal charges.

As of January 2026, this bill is still being discussed. It hasn’t become law yet. But it shows Minnesota’s commitment to fighting AI-based exploitation.

How to Protect Yourself

Now, here’s where it gets practical.

First, review your privacy settings on every platform. Opt out of data selling and targeted ads. Most platforms now offer these options because of state laws.

Second, limit what you share online. Your posts, photos, and location data can be collected and sold.

Third, use the privacy tools Minnesota requires. Check your screen time. Be aware of how algorithms work. Question why you’re seeing certain content.

Fourth, if you’re a content creator with kids, follow the law. Set up trust accounts for teens. Never monetize content featuring kids under 14.

Fifth, report violations. If you see deepfakes, child exploitation, or data privacy violations, contact the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.

You can file complaints at ag.state.mn.us or call their consumer division.

What Happens If You Break These Laws

The penalties depend on which law you violate.

For deepfake pornography, you face up to three years in prison and $5,000 in fines. Victims can also sue you for damages.

For political deepfakes, penalties range from 90 days to five years in prison. Fines go from $1,000 to $10,000.

For child content creator violations, you could face civil penalties and lawsuits from the children when they turn 18.

For data privacy violations, companies pay up to $7,500 per violation. That adds up fast if you’re violating thousands of users’ rights.

The Attorney General investigates complaints. They can bring civil enforcement actions. They can also seek injunctions to stop ongoing violations.

Less severe than some states, but still no joke.

Special Circumstances and Exceptions

Some activities are protected under these laws.

Journalists and news organizations have exemptions for reporting. They can use deepfakes if clearly labeled and serving public interest.

Researchers studying AI technology have protections. Law enforcement investigating crimes can use deepfakes.

Commercial content creation is allowed if everyone consents. Think movie special effects or video game characters.

Child actors in traditional media aren’t affected. The kidfluencer law specifically targets social media content.

Small businesses under SBA definitions are mostly exempt from data privacy rules. But they still can’t sell sensitive data without consent.

Educational institutions have until July 31, 2029, to comply with data privacy requirements.

Recent Changes and Future Laws

Minnesota updates these laws frequently. The mental health warning requirement passed in 2025 for a 2026 start date.

Lawmakers continue proposing new bills. The nudification ban is pending. There’s talk of stricter age verification requirements.

The Prohibiting Social Media Manipulation Act is also being discussed. It would give users more control over algorithms. It would limit burner accounts. It would require more transparency from platforms.

Minnesota is watching what other states do. California, Texas, and Virginia have similar laws. New York is close behind.

Expect more regulations in 2026 and beyond.

How to Stay Compliant as a Content Creator

Creating content in Minnesota? Here’s what you need to do.

Never feature kids under 14 in monetized content. Period. Find other content ideas that don’t involve young children.

For teens ages 14 to 17, set up proper trust accounts. Document everything. Keep records of view counts and earnings.

Get written consent from everyone in your videos. This protects you from privacy and deepfake claims.

Label any AI-generated or altered content. Make it obvious. Don’t try to deceive viewers.

Respect deletion requests. If someone asks you to remove content featuring them, do it quickly.

Review platform policies regularly. Make sure you’re following both state law and platform rules.

Consider consulting a lawyer if you earn significant income from content creation. The laws are complex and penalties are harsh.

What Platforms Must Do

If you run a social media platform, your obligations are extensive.

Post detailed information about your algorithms and ranking systems. Update this information regularly.

Implement mental health warnings by July 2026. Make them conspicuous and unavoidable.

Add usage time notifications. Give users the data they need.

Honor all data privacy requests within 45 days. Provide mechanisms for users to exercise their rights.

Don’t sell sensitive data without explicit consent. Implement clear opt-out systems.

Monitor for child exploitation and deepfake content. Remove violations quickly.

Failure to comply means enforcement by the Attorney General. You face civil penalties and potential injunctions.

Resources and Where to Get Help

Need more information? Here are your best resources.

Minnesota Attorney General’s Office handles enforcement. Visit ag.state.mn.us for complaint forms and guidance.

PrivacyMN.com helps you exercise your data privacy rights. The site launched in 2025 with the new law.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline provides mental health support. Social media platforms must include this number in warnings.

Minnesota Lawyer Referral and Information Service connects you with attorneys. Call (612) 752-6699 if you need legal help.

The Minnesota Revisor of Statutes website has full text of all laws. Check revisor.mn.gov for specific statutes.

For child influencer issues, organizations like Kids Are Not Content provide advocacy and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these laws apply to me if I don’t live in Minnesota? If you’re in Minnesota when using social media, yes. The laws protect Minnesota residents and people physically located in the state.

Can I still use TikTok and Instagram normally? Totally. These laws don’t ban social media. They just require platforms to be transparent and give you more control. You’ll see some new warnings and notifications, but you can still use your favorite apps.

What if my child wants to be in my videos? If they’re under 14, you cannot monetize that content in Minnesota. For ages 14 to 17, you can, but you must set aside 30 percent of earnings in a trust account for them.

How do I know if a company is selling my data? Under the new privacy law, companies must tell you in their privacy notices. You can also request a list of third parties who received your data. They have to provide this within 45 days.

What should I do if someone creates a deepfake of me? Contact law enforcement immediately. File a complaint with the Minnesota Attorney General. You can also sue the creator for civil damages. Document everything and don’t share the deepfake further.

Final Thoughts

Minnesota takes social media seriously. The state wants to protect kids, fight misinformation, and give you control over your data.

These laws will keep changing. New technology creates new problems. Lawmakers will keep responding.

Stay informed about your rights. Use the privacy tools available to you. Report violations when you see them.

Most importantly, think before you post. What you share online has real consequences. Minnesota’s laws prove that.

Now you know the basics. Stay safe out there.

References

1. Minnesota Statutes Section 325M.33 – Social Media Platform Transparency (2024) https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/325M.33
2. Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, Minnesota Statutes Sections 325M.10-325M.21 (2024) https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/325M/full
3. Minnesota Attorney General’s Office – Consumer Data Privacy Act Information (2025) https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Communications/2025/07/28_MCDPA.asp
4. Minnesota Statute Section 181A.13 – Compensation for Internet Content Creation (2024) https://www.whiteandassociateslaw.com/2025/09/30/are-there-laws-about-child-influencers-in-minnesota/
5. Minnesota Statutes Section 604.32 – Deepfake Sexual Images Civil Action (2023) https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/604.32
6. Minnesota House File 1289 – Social Media Mental Health Warnings (2025) https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=HF1289&session=ls94
7. NPR – Mental Health Warnings on Social Media in Minnesota (July 2025) https://www.npr.org/2025/07/28/nx-s1-5481822/social-media-mental-health-warning