In Florida, children under 14 will not be allowed to use social media starting next year.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law, requiring social media companies to remove accounts belonging to children under the age of 14.
Before creating an account on websites like Instagram and Snapchat, children between the ages of 14 and 15 must also obtain parental approval.
The companies that neglect to remove accounts run the risk of being sued by minors, who could win up to $10,000 (£7,908) in damages, as well as fines of up to $50,000 (£39,538) for each infraction.
It is scheduled to take effect in Florida in January of the coming year, but businesses who argue that it is unconstitutional in the US are likely to contest it.
Republican speaker of the state Paul Renner stated that “a child in their brain development doesn’t have the ability to know that they’re being sucked into these addictive technologies” and referred to the measure as his top priority.
The measure further classifies “patently offensive” images of sexual activity and obscenity as well as materials “lacking serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors” as material damaging to children.
Businesses are “liable to the minor for such access, including court costs and reasonable attorney fees” if they neglect to forbid access to such content or if they fail to do so after it is reported and a child is harmed.
Mr. Renner stated, “We’re going to beat them,” even though he acknowledged that he is aware social media companies will “sue the second this is signed”. We will defeat them, and we will never, ever give up.”
“We not only satisfied me, but we also satisfied, I think, a fair application of the law and constitution,” stated Mr. DeSantis, who just halted his campaign to be the Republican nominee for president.
The Florida law, according to NetChoice, a trade association connected to X, TikTok, and Meta, creates “ID for the internet” and imposes limitations on all Floridians, regardless of age.
Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel of NetChoice, expressed his disappointment with the governor’s decision to go this way in a statement.
“There are better ways to keep Floridians, their families and their data safe and secure online without violating their freedoms.”
