US state vetoes social media ban for kids below age

NBC News reported that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill restricting minors’ access to social media platforms within the state.

Under the new legislation, children under 14 are prohibited from joining social media platforms without parental consent. Individuals aged 14 or 15 also require parental consent to create accounts on these platforms.

Furthermore, the bill, known as HB3, mandates social media companies to delete accounts held by individuals under 14 years old. Failure to comply could lead to lawsuits, with minors potentially receiving up to $10,000 in damages per the bill’s provisions.

Companies found violating the law may face penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, in addition to covering legal fees and court expenses.

Speaking at the bill-signing ceremony, Governor DeSantis expressed his intent to assist parents in navigating the challenges of raising children in today’s digital landscape. He highlighted the legislation’s importance in addressing concerns related to online child safety.

This law, scheduled to take effect in January 2025, reflects ongoing efforts across the United States to regulate social media platforms driven by concerns from parents regarding their children’s online safety.

However, the enactment of such laws has faced resistance. NetChoice LLC, representing major social media platforms including Meta, Google, and X, has criticized the legislation, labelling it unconstitutional and advocating for alternative approaches to online safety.

Despite anticipated legal challenges, Governor DeSantis and other proponents of the legislation maintain that it is constitutionally sound and necessary to address the addictive nature of social media platforms among minors.

The new law underscores ongoing debates about regulating social media and balancing the protection of children from potential harm with upholding constitutional rights.