STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3321

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1753

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1753, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SOCIAL MEDIA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require certain social media platforms to provide an accessible mechanism for users to delete their accounts on the platform and permanently erase all personal information and sensitive personal information associated with deleted accounts;

(2) Prohibit certain deceptive practices by social media platforms that obstruct the deletion of user accounts; and

(3) Authorize the Attorney General to pursue civil actions and seek injunctive relief and penalties for violations.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Consumer Protection of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and TechNet.

Your Committee finds that some consumers report difficulties deleting social media accounts, with some social media companies using confusing menus or "dark patterns" to keep users and their data on social media platforms and available to the company. This measure would mandate simple social media account deletion processes and total removal of user data to improve consumer protection and privacy online.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1753, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1753, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection,

________________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair