Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Law Restricting Social Media Access for Children Under 14
On Monday, Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill aimed at protecting children from the potential harm of social media. The new legislation, HB 3, places restrictions on social media account creation for minors under the age of 14, while allowing those aged 14 and 15 to open accounts with their parents’ consent.
Age Limits for Social Media Accounts
The bill introduces age restrictions on social media account creation, making Florida the latest state to pass such legislation. Children under 14 are now prohibited from having their own social media accounts. However, those aged 14 and 15 are permitted to open accounts only with the consent of their parents or legal guardians.
Additional Restrictions on Pornographic Websites
In addition to social media restrictions, the bill includes measures to restrict access to pornographic websites. HB 3 requires age verification for those who visit sexually explicit websites, ensuring that minors are not able to view such content.
Legal Challenges and Previous Attempts
The new legislation is likely to face legal challenges, as several other states have encountered resistance in their attempts to regulate tech platforms and social media use by minors. Previous laws enacted in Arkansas and Ohio were temporarily blocked by federal judges due to concerns about their potential infringement on teens’ First Amendment rights.
Previous Version of the Law and Parental Involvement
Governor DeSantis had previously vetoed a prior version of the Florida law, stating that he wanted to ensure parents are given ample opportunities to be involved in decisions regarding their children’s social media use. With the signing of HB 3, Florida becomes the latest state to introduce legislation focused on protecting minors from potential risks associated with social media and pornographic content. The new law is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.