Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new social media bill into law, making it one of the most restrictive in the country. The law, known as HB 3, prohibits children under the age of 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for children aged 14 to 16. In addition to these restrictions, the law also mandates age verification for those accessing pornographic websites. DeSantis believes that social media can harm children in various ways and the new law gives parents more control to protect their children. The law is set to go into effect on January 1, 2025, but is likely to face legal challenges related to the First Amendment.
Tech industry group NetChoice, which represents companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok, had urged DeSantis to veto the bill. They expressed concerns about the level of data collection required for compliance with the law, potentially risking the privacy of Floridians. NetChoice believes that there are better ways to keep people safe online without violating their freedoms. Florida is not the only state to consider such legislation, as other states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, and Utah, have debated or passed laws restricting young people’s access to social media. These efforts have been fueled by research findings that platforms like Instagram can negatively impact teenagers’ mental health.
The push for regulating social media extends beyond state borders, with the European Union imposing fines and enacting new rules on tech giants like Apple, Alphabet, and Meta. In the US, lawmakers are also grappling with concerns about social media’s impact on national security. President Joe Biden expressed a willingness to sign a bill that could potentially block TikTok due to fears of interference from the Chinese government. DeSantis, who has previously supported a ban on TikTok, had vetoed an earlier version of Florida’s social media law that would have prohibited children under 16 from holding certain accounts. He emphasized the importance of parental involvement in his decision.
In addition to the laws passed by various states, California is also considering legislation called Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction. This bill is backed by the state’s attorney general and bipartisan state senators. The laws and regulations surrounding social media are part of a broader global effort to hold tech companies accountable and address the potential harms associated with their platforms. These efforts highlight the ongoing tension between protecting individuals’ privacy and free speech rights while also ensuring a safer online environment for young people. The debate around social media regulation is expected to continue as technology continues to evolve and influence various aspects of society.
