TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida will have one of the country’s most restrictive social media bans for minors — if it withstands expected legal challenges — under a bill signed by Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday.

The legislation will prohibit individuals under the age of 14 from having social media accounts and will mandate parental consent for those between 14 and 15 years old. This measure was amended from a previous proposal that was rejected by DeSantis prior to the conclusion of the annual legislative session.

The new law was Republican Speaker Paul Renner’s top legislative priority. It takes effect Jan. 1.

During the bill-signing ceremony at a Jacksonville school, Renner stated that children’s brain development does not allow them to recognize the negative effects of addictive technologies and remove themselves from it. As a result, it is our responsibility to intervene on their behalf.

DeSantis rejected the bill that aimed to prohibit minors under the age of 16 from accessing popular social media platforms, regardless of parental permission. However, prior to vetoing it, he collaborated with Renner to revise the language in order to address the governor’s apprehensions. A revised version of the bill was then presented to DeSantis by the Legislature for his consideration.

A number of states have contemplated comparable policies. In Arkansas, a judge at the federal level halted the implementation of a statute in August that mandated minors to obtain parental consent before creating new social media accounts.

Proponents in Florida are optimistic that the bill will be able to withstand any legal challenges because it aims to prohibit social media platforms that have addictive characteristics like notification prompts and automatic video play, rather than focusing on the content itself.

Renner predicts that social media companies will immediately take legal action once the bill is signed. However, he remains confident that they will be defeated and their actions will not hinder progress.

DeSantis acknowledged that the law may face challenges related to First Amendment concerns. He expressed disappointment that the “Stop Woke Act,” which he signed into law two years ago, was recently overturned by an appeals court consisting mostly of judges appointed by Republicans. The court found that the law infringed on free speech protections by forbidding private businesses from incorporating discussions of racial inequality in their employee training.

DeSantis, a lawyer, stated that he will veto any bill that he believes is unconstitutional. He expressed assurance that the prohibition on social media will be supported. He added that not only did the decision satisfy him, but it also adhered to a fair interpretation of the law and Constitution.

Khara Boender, who serves as a state policy director at the Computer & Communications Industry Association, stated in a press release that she acknowledges the importance of online safety. However, she also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the law in achieving its goals while potentially limiting the First Amendment rights of young users.

She predicted there would be a legal dispute.

Bonder stated that this law could potentially create challenges for young individuals who are trying to access online information, a privilege given to all citizens of the United States, regardless of their age.

The bill overwhelmingly passed both chambers, with some Democrats joining a majority of Republicans who supported the measure. Opponents argued it is unconstitutional and government shouldn’t interfere with decisions parents make with their children.

“This bill goes too far in taking away parents’ rights,” Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani said in a news release. “Instead of banning social media access, it would be better to ensure improved parental oversight tools, improved access to data to stop bad actors, alongside major investments in Florida’s mental health systems and programs.”

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This story has been corrected to show that parental permission is required for 14- and 15-year-olds, not 16-year-olds.

Source: wral.com