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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that could enact “the country’s most restrictive social media bans for minors,” according to AP News.
According to the outlet, Governor DeSantis signed the bill on Monday, March 25. If the bill proceeds without legal challenges, it would ban social media accounts for kids in the state under 14.
Additionally, it will require parental permission for kids 14 or 15 who are interested in joining a social platform, per NBC News. The outlet adds that social media companies will be directed to delete accounts of those 14 and under. If they fail to do so, the company reportedly could be sued and liable for up to $50,000 per violation.
AP News reports that the bill will take effect on January 1, 2025.
“A child in their brain development doesn’t have the ability to know that they’re being sucked into these addictive technologies and to see the harm and step away from it, and because of that we have to step in for them,” Republican Speaker Paul Renner explained at the bill signing ceremony, per AP News.
The outlet adds that the bill strives to ban social media apps based on their “addictive features such as notification alerts and auto-play videos.”
Furthermore, AP News reports that Renner and DeSantis expect the bill to be challenged. DeSantis reportedly believes the bill could be “challenged on First Amendment issues.”
However, Renner reportedly noted that their efforts to stand behind the bill will not be deterred.
“[Social media companies may] sue the second after this is signed,” Renner stated, per the outlet. “But you know what? We’re going to beat them. We’re going to beat them, and we’re never, ever going to stop.”
According to the outlet, opposers of the bill believe it can “create substantial obstacles” in children’s access to information. Additionally, some believe it can go “too far in taking away parents’ rights.”
“Instead of banning social media access, it would be better to ensure improved parental oversight tools, improved access to data to stop bad actors, alongside major investments in Florida’s mental health systems and programs,” Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani reportedly asserted.
Social media users have taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their reaction to the bill’s signage in Florida.
As The Shade Room previously reported, Florida House representatives passed an earlier version of the bill in January. The bill would have prevented children under 16 in the state from creating social media accounts.
Additionally, it would have also ordered platforms to delete the accounts of those 16 and younger.
According to AP News, DeSantis vetoed the bill earlier this month. The governor reportedly “had concerns about privacy issues and parental rights.” At the time, DeSantis reportedly spoke about how the bill would be updated.
“The Legislature is about to produce a different, superior bill,” DeSantis explained. “Protecting children from harms associated with social media is important, as is supporting parents’ rights and maintaining the ability of adults to engage in anonymous speech.”
