Florida is set to enforce one of the strictest social media limitations for children, pending legal difficulties after Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law on Monday. The legislation will stop social media accounts for children under 14, and parental approval will be needed for those aged 14 and 15.
Unrestricted Social Media's Adverse Effects on Minors
This version of the bill serves a slightly softened approach from an earlier proposal that Governor DeSantis vetoed just before the end of the legislative session, following discussions with Republican Speaker Paul Renner.
Renner, whose essential legislative focus was the passage of this bill, highlighted the need to interfere on behalf of minors, citing their susceptibility to addictive technologies.
Under the originally proposed legislation, children under 16 would have been banned from major social media platforms disregarding parental consent. However, through negotiation with Renner, DeSantis agreed to improve language addressing his concerns, leading to the passage of an altered bill.
Similar legislation has been considered in other states, with Arkansas facing legal challenges over a law requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.
Advocates in Florida believe their bill stands a better chance of surviving legal scrutiny because it targets the addictive features of social media platforms rather than their content.
Both Renner and DeSantis anticipate legal challenges, particularly concerning First Amendment rights. DeSantis conveyed determination in the bill's constitutionality, conflicting it with the latest striking down of the "Stop Woke Act" by an appeals court.
Despite concerns about online security, opponents disagree that the law may violate the First Amendment rights of young users and hinder their access to online data.
The bill passed with overwhelming support from both chambers, with some Democrats joining Republicans in its approval. However, critics contend that it impinges on parental rights and advocates for alternative ways, such as enhanced parental oversight tools and investments in mental health systems.
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Minors Will Need Parental Authorization to Join Any Social Media Platform
During the bill-signing ceremony, Governor DeSantis conveyed appreciation for the cooperation effort aimed at helping parents navigate the difficulties of raising children in the digital age.
Notably, a former version of the bill, which Governor DeSantis vetoed, proposed stricter scope, including a ban on social media for children under 16 and a necessity for Florida residents to give identification to join social media platforms.
Scheduled to take effect in January 2025, HB3 reflects growing efforts nationwide to regulate social media, driven by parental concerns about online safety.
Calls for regulation have intensified, with over 200 organizations urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to prioritize the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).
In January, tech CEOs faced a congressional investigation over online child security, reaffirming their commitment to comforting danger and emphasizing existing security measures.
Supporters of Florida's new law, including House Speaker Paul Renner, contend that unrestricted social media use poses a danger to kid's mental health and exposes them to probable risks from online predators.
However, similar laws enacted in other states, such as Ohio and Arkansas, have faced legal challenges from industry coalitions like NetChoice LLC, alleging violations of the First Amendment.
Both Governor DeSantis and Speaker Renner acknowledged potential legal challenges but emphasized the bill's constitutionality, focusing on addressing the addictive features of social media rather than regulating speech.
Despite criticism from industry representatives like NetChoice, who deem the law unconstitutional, Governor DeSantis remains confident in its fairness and alignment with constitutional principles.
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