Latest news with #ConsumerProtectionDivision
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas bill banning social media for minors fails to pass
The Brief A Texas bill (HB 186) to ban social media for users under 18 failed to pass the state legislature. Critics of the bill argue that an age requirement is an invasion of the privacy of adult users. Patterson says he will bring up the bill again in 2027. AUSTIN, Texas - A bill that would have banned children under 18 from using social media in Texas did not pass the state legislature. House Bill 186, filed by state Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), was not brought up for a key vote ahead of the end of the legislative session on Monday. Dig deeper House Bill 186 would have required social media companies to verify a user's age when they sign up for an account. Under the bill, social media companies would be required to delete a child's account at the request of a parent or guardian. Companies that do not verify age or do not remove accounts could face penalties from the Texas Attorney General's Office. Violations would be sent to the Consumer Protection Division as a deceptive trade practice. Rep. Patterson called social media the "modern-day cigarette", citing its addictive nature. He also cited recent increases in self-harm and suicide rates for teens, which he believes is connected to the rise of social media. HB 186 passed the Texas House by a 116-25 vote in April. It was not brought to the full Senate. The other side Critics of the bill argue that it's an invasion of the privacy of adult users. A similar bill in Utah was temporarily blocked by a federal judge in 2024. The judge cited concerns about the bill violating the First Amendment. Tech companies, including Elon Musk's X, have established a presence in Texas. What they're saying "HB 186 is - by far - the biggest disappointment of my career," wrote Patterson on social media. "There was no bill filed this session that would have protected more kids in more ways than this one. HB 186 failing to pass this session means I've failed these kids and their families. At least for now. It's devastating, but I'm not done, not by a long shot. My purpose in being here, in this body and with this awesome responsibility, is to fight for those who can't fight for themselves. Even against billionaires and their tactics." Patterson says he plans to file a similar bill in 2027. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a different bill to limit children's access to some applications online. Senate Bill 2420 is also known as the App Store Accountability Act. Under the law, app store operators like Google and Apple will be required to verify the age of users in Texas and get parental consent from parents before allowing minors to download an app. Apple CEO Tim Cook called Abbott and asked him to change or veto the bill, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal. The Source Information on House Bill 186 comes from the Texas Legislature and social media posts from Rep. Jared Patterson.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
DA warns about a deceptive mailer
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office is warning about a piece of mail sent to elderly residents that it says is deceptive. The Consumer Protection Division warns that the unsolicited postcard is trying to sell home warranty services. The postcard features the words 'County Deed Records' in all-caps and bold font. The mailer has no association with the county or the Register of Deeds office, which the Consumer Protection Division labels a deceptive practice designed to scare people into believing there may be something wrong and to make them act without further investigation. The postcard is for a home warranty company that is not named on the card. It includes the words 'REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION,' implying that whoever received it used to have coverage with the company, which is likely not the case. Consultant to aid Wichita in city manager search It urges them to call a number on the card, where someone will try to convince them to purchase a home warranty that could potentially cost thousands of dollars a year, which can be difficult to cancel and may not provide the promised services. The Consumer Protection Division urges all residents to question any unsolicited mail they receive, especially if it does not include the name of the company. They also ask that people look out for their friends and neighbors, especially older residents or those experiencing cognitive decline. District Attorney Marc Bennett says this type of mailer is often targeted at them to prey on theiranxieties, vulnerabilities, and their ability to recall events. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Georgia Attorney General alerts to possible risk to sensitive personal data
ATLANTA () — Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is warning Georgians of a potential threat to their extremely sensitive data. 23andMe, a company that collects and analyzes consumers' genetic information through direct-to-consumer testing, has filed for bankruptcy. In a bankruptcy proceeding, this sensitive data could be considered an asset and be sold or transferred to a third party. The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division urges Georgians to review their privacy options and strongly consider deleting their accounts. To delete your genetic data from 23andMe: Go to and sign in to your account. Click on your profile in the upper righthand corner of the site, then click 'Settings.' Scroll to the section at the very bottom of the page called '23andMe Data' and click the oval button that says, 'View.' Check the boxes of any data you would like to download and click 'Request Download.' This step is optional and can take up to 30 days. You can continue with the following steps while you wait. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the red button that says, 'Permanently Delete Data.' You will receive an email with the subject line '23andMe Delete Account Request.' Open it, and click the button that says, 'Permanently Delete All Records.' Your data will not be deleted unless you complete this step. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indianapolis homebuilder settles lawsuit alleging it restricted negative reviews
(This story was updated to add new information.) A major Indianapolis homebuilder has settled a lawsuit brought by the state of Indiana alleging that the company threatened fines against any homebuyer who publicly shared negative statements about the company. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita accused Davis Homes of including a "gag clause" in contracts that would impose a $2,000 per day fine on any homebuyer who made "statements to the media, on social media, the internet, or neighbors which portray (Davis) in a negative light," according to court documents. Davis Homes, an Indianapolis-based builder run by CEO Bradley Davis, says it has built more than 25,000 homes across the state. The federal Consumer Review Fairness Act of 2016 outlaws contract clauses that suppress criticism of a seller's goods and services. The law also bans penalties for negative comments or reviews. Davis Homes agreed to the settlement while admitting no wrongdoing and denied the state's allegation that the company violated federal law, according to a Thursday press release from the attorney general's office. Davis Homes did, however, sign an agreement with the state saying it won't interfere with customers' freedom to share negative reviews. The company will stop including the alleged "gag clause" in new contracts and will not enforce the provision with past homebuyers, under the settlement agreement. The provision restricting homebuyers from speaking poorly of Davis Homes was included only in some agreements for custom homes, a company spokeswoman said in a statement to IndyStar Thursday. The builder has never charged a homebuyer for the associated $2,000 per day penalty, the statement said. Davis Homes stopped using the clause altogether early last year, according to the statement. "Davis Homes seeks to have an open dialogue with clients from the moment we meet through the final inspection and closing," the statement concludes, "and remains open to discussing clients' experiences throughout the homebuilding process." Any Indiana consumers who signed a contract that contains a similar clause restricting or penalizing negative reviews of a business can file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the Indiana attorney general's office at or by calling 1-800-382-5516. Email IndyStar Housing, Growth and Development Reporter Jordan Smith at JTsmith@ Follow him on X: @jordantsmith09 This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis homebuilder sued by state for 'gag clause' in contracts
