Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law one of the nation’s strictest social media bans for minors, despite anticipated legal challenges.
Effective January 1st, the law prohibits social media accounts for children under 14 and mandates parental permission for 14- and 15-year-olds.
Originally proposed as a broader ban, it was modified after DeSantis vetoed a previous version. Republican State House Speaker Paul Renner championed the legislation, emphasizing concerns about minors’ vulnerability to addictive technologies.
The bill’s focus on addictive features rather than content aims to withstand legal scrutiny. Renner anticipates legal opposition from social media companies but expresses confidence in overcoming it.
DeSantis, aware of potential free speech challenges, asserts the law’s constitutionality. Khara Boender of the Computer & Communications Industry Association voices skepticism, citing potential First Amendment violations and hindrances to young people’s access to online information.
Despite bipartisan legislative support, Democratic representatives like Anna Eskamani criticize the law for infringing on parental rights and advocate for alternative approaches to online safety, including enhanced parental oversight and mental health programs.
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