Florida may soon have one of the strictest social media laws in the United States. On Friday, Feb. 23, a bill that would ban children under the age of 16 from social media, regardless of parental consent, is heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for his signature.
According to The Associated Press, the proposed restrictions, which have passed the Florida House and Senate, target any social media platforms that track user activity. The ban would enforce rules on any site that allows children to upload content and interact with other users.
Supporters of the social media measures argue they’re necessary as rates of suicide, depression and anxiety increase in teens. Advocates said the numbers are attributed to social media use, but social media companies have contended that the science is not conclusive.
Florida is not the first state to take action against social media companies.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, announced efforts to combat algorithms on social media sites, which she said send kids down rabbit holes and introduce them to harmful content.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, also a Democrat, declared social media an “environmental toxin” and announced action against five social media companies, seeking a payout of millions of dollars in damages for the cost of mental health services and programs provided to teens. Adams largely blames social media for the mental health crisis among adolescents.
However, opponents of the bill contend the proposed law would violate the First Amendment, and they said that the decision to keep social media away from children should be left up to parents.
Social media bans for kids in Arkansas and Ohio have been paused as Big Tech has fought back against the laws, and judges have granted injunctions on the grounds that restrictions violate free speech rights.
The legislation in Florida has bipartisan support, with a mix of Democrats and Republicans helping to get the bill to DeSantis’ desk.
If DeSantis signs the social media ban into law, companies would be forced to close accounts believed to be used by minors and cancel accounts at the request of parents.
