On Monday, March 25, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law one of the nation's most extreme social media bills. This law imposes restrictions on minors' access to social media platforms.
Under the law, children under 14 years old are prohibited from creating accounts, while those aged 14 to 16 must obtain parental consent.
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Starting January 1, 2025, kids aged 13 years old and below in Florida will not be allowed to use social media apps following the approved law.
The enactment of the said law (also known as HB 3) not only places restrictions on teenage social media usage but also mandates age verification for individuals seeking to visit pornographic websites.
According to CNET, it is slated to take effect on January 1, 2025. This law is expected to encounter legal challenges, particularly concerning First Amendment rights.
"Social media harms children in a variety of ways. HB 3 gives parents a greater ability to protect their children," DeSantis said.
Tech Industry Groups Concerned Over Social Media Ban Law
Tech industry advocates, including NetChoice, have expressed concerns about the law's implications.
NetChoice, associated with major tech firms like Meta, Google, and TikTok, emphasized the potential privacy risks posed by the extensive data collection required for compliance with the legislation.
According to Carl Szabo, NetChoice's VP and general counsel, alternative approaches to enhancing online safety without infringing on individual freedoms should be explored.
Nationwide Debate on Social Media Regulation
Florida joins a growing list of states grappling with issues surrounding youth access to social media.
Motivated by revelations from internal Facebook research highlighting the negative effects of platforms like Instagram on teenagers' mental health, several states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, and Utah, have initiated discussions or passed similar legislation.
Broader Regulatory Efforts
These state-level actions are part of a broader global trend of increased regulation targeting the tech industry. The European Union has implemented hefty fines and introduced new regulations aimed at reshaping the competitive landscape among tech giants like Apple, Alphabet, and Meta.
Similarly, US lawmakers are addressing concerns regarding social media's implications for national security, with President Joe Biden indicating support for legislation that could restrict platforms like TikTok due to potential foreign interference risks.
DeSantis' Stance and Legislative Evolution
Governor DeSantis, who has previously voiced support for potential TikTok bans, vetoed an earlier version of Florida's social media law. This earlier iteration sought to prohibit children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms altogether.
De Santis was also the one who signed the law against censoring the social media accounts of politicians.
In 2021, the "anti-deflatforming" took into effect. The campaign was focused on stopping the "Big Tech Censorship" so more people could freely reach out on social media.
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