Florida Passes Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Florida lawmakers passed a bill on Thursday that, if signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, would enact one of the most stringent laws in the country regarding social media use by minors. The bill aims to prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, even with parental consent. It specifically targets platforms that track user activity, offer addictive features, or enable users to upload content and interact with others. To enforce this, the bill mandates social media sites to implement a third-party age verification system and requires them to delete accounts held by minors in Florida, along with any associated information.

Governor DeSantis has expressed reservations about the bill, particularly because it restricts parental choice by preventing children from using these apps even if their parents approve. Lawmakers declined to modify the bill to address his concerns, which has led to uncertainty about whether DeSantis will sign it into law.

Republican House Speaker Paul Renner hailed the bill as a landmark measure, asserting that it is the most robust of its kind in the nation and will withstand constitutional scrutiny. Another bill supporter, Republican Representative Tyler Sirois, dismissed criticisms that the bill diminishes parental authority, arguing that if certain features of social media are acknowledged to be addictive, parental consent becomes irrelevant.

The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support, with the Florida House passing it by a vote of 108-7 and the Senate approving it 23-14. However, Governor DeSantis has not yet indicated whether he will sign it, stating that his office will review the bill over the weekend.

If signed into law, social media platforms could face fines of up to $50,000 per violation. Additionally, failure to delete an account upon a parent’s request could result in fines of up to $10,000 in damages.

This move by Florida is part of a broader trend of states attempting to regulate children’s use of social media. In August, a federal judge blocked an Arkansas law that would have required parental consent for minors to create new social media accounts, citing concerns about its constitutionality and efficacy. Similar laws in Ohio and other states have also faced legal challenges.

Governor DeSantis’ stance on this bill has raised questions about his influence within the Republican-run legislature, especially since withdrawing from the presidential race. The legislature’s swift passage of the bill, despite DeSantis’ reservations, suggests a potential shift in dynamics between the governor and the legislature.