Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill aimed at keeping children off social media platforms in Miami. The bill prevents children under the age of 16 from opening social media accounts on some platforms without parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. Criticisms from tech industry groups argue that the bill is unconstitutional and a violation of First Amendment rights. However, supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect children from the harmful effects of addictive social media platforms and potential communication with sexual predators.
House Speaker Paul Renner made the bill a priority during the legislative session, emphasizing the focus on addictive features of social media platforms rather than the content itself. The bill does not specify which social media platforms would be affected but includes criteria related to algorithms, addictive features, and user interactivity. DeSantis vetoed an earlier version of the bill due to constitutional concerns, but negotiated with Renner on a revised plan that was signed into law. Changes to the bill include allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to open accounts with parental consent.
The revised plan does not include age-verification requirements for platforms, instead opting for enforcement through potential lawsuits for violations of the age restrictions. Supporters of the bill are prepared for a legal challenge from the tech industry, citing the dangers of social media to children as a driving force behind the legislation. This potential lawsuit would be the second major court fight against Florida social media laws, with the previous law being blocked by federal courts on First Amendment grounds.
Renner expressed confidence in the state’s ability to uphold the new law in court, despite expected challenges from the tech industry. The bill also includes provisions for age verification to prevent minors under 18 from accessing online pornographic sites, although this aspect received less attention during legislative debates. With the bill not set to take effect until January 1, 2023, the stage is set for a legal battle over the constitutionality of Florida’s regulation of social media platforms in relation to child safety concerns.
