Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida signed a measure into law on Monday that forbids children under the age of 13 from using social media, opening the door for opponents to file a lawsuit.
This month, House Bill 3 (2024) was approved by the Republican-dominated legislature with Democratic backing.
The proposed rule will prevent children from opening social media accounts and mandate that social media companies delete the accounts of those less than 14 years old.
The first day of the law’s implementation is January 1, 2025.
However, in addition to prohibiting minors from accessing pornographic websites, children between the ages of 14 and 15 would also need their parents’ approval. Additionally, the kids would have to provide identification.
Florida has joined the group of states, like California and Arkansas, that have implemented laws of this kind in response to a rise in adolescent depression.
State laws, nonetheless, have not been upheld. Florida is also bracing for a court dispute that would prevent the law from being enforced.
In October of last year, a lawsuit was brought by Florida, California, and several other states against social media firms, including Meta. The case highlighted the “deliberate youth mental health crisis” by alleging mental injury to minors.
Additionally, according to their lawsuit, Facebook and Instagram include characteristics in their designs that entice kids to use them. The states further claimed that these websites gather information on minors under 13 without permission.
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