Share this @internewscast.com

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday that will prohibit children younger than 14 from joining social media in the state. Those who are 14 or 15 will need a parent’s consent before they join a platform.

The bill, HB3, also directs social media companies to delete the existing accounts of those who are under 14. Companies that fail to do so could be sued on behalf of the child who creates an account on the platform. The minor could be awarded up to $10,000 in damages, according to the bill. Companies found to be in violation of the law would also be liable for up to $50,000 per violation, as well as attorney’s fees and court costs.

“Ultimately, [we’re] trying to help parents navigate this very difficult terrain that we have now with raising kids, and so I appreciate the work that’s been put in,” DeSantis said in remarks during the bill-signing ceremony.

DeSantis previously vetoed a more restrictive version of the bill that would have banned social media accounts for kids under 16. That bill also required Florida residents to submit an ID or other identifying materials in order to join social media.

HB3, which is slated to take effect in January 2025, comes as efforts to regulate social media continue to ramp up across the U.S. amid concerns from some parents that the platforms don’t do enough to keep their kids safe online.

In December, more than 200 organizations sent a letter urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to schedule a vote on the Kids Online Safety Act, or KOSA, which seeks to create liability, or a “duty of care,” for apps and online platforms that recommend content to minors that can negatively affect their mental health.

In January, lawmakers grilled CEOs from TikTok, X and Meta about online child safety. The tech executives reaffirmed their commitment to child safety, and pointed to various tools they offer as examples of how they are proactive about preventing exploitation online.

Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and other advocates of the new law argue that social media use can harm children’s mental health and can lead to sexual predators communicating with minors.

“None of us can afford to be on the sidelines when it comes to social media,” Renner said in remarks made at the bill signing.

Several states that have enacted similar laws to limit teen social media — including Ohio and Arkansas — have been challenged by NetChoice LLC, a coalition of social media platforms whose members include Meta, Google and X, among others.

Florida’s law is also expected to face legal challenges over claims that it violates the First Amendment.

“We’re disappointed to see Gov. DeSantis sign onto this route,” Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel for NetChoice, said in an email statement, calling the law “unconstitutional.” “There are better ways to keep Floridians, their families and their data safe and secure online without violating their freedoms.”

Both DeSantis and Renner alluded in their remarks to the potential legal hurdles ahead.

“You will not find a line in this bill that addresses good speech or bad speech because that would violate the First Amendment,” Renner said. “We’ve not addressed that at all. What we have addressed is the addictive features that are at the heart of why children stay on these platforms for hours and hours on end.”

He specifically called out NetChoice, saying, “We’re going to beat them, and we’re never ever going to stop.”

DeSantis argued the bill is constitutionally sound.

“Any time I see a bill, if I don’t think it’s constitutional, I veto it,” he said. He described the bill as “a fair application of the law and Constitution.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Boat fire on St. Johns River sends 5 into the water, all rescued

Boat Catches Fire on St. Johns River Sending 5 People Overboard, All Safely Rescued

St. Johns County Fire Rescue said the fire happened around 12:15 p.m.…
Portrait of Przemyslaw Jeziorski.

Masked Gunman Kills College Professor at Ex-Wife’s Home in Greece, Leading to Intense Manhunt

A COLLEGE professor has been shot and killed while visiting his family…
Victims of 'Bernie Madoff of cows' take on major banks in massive ghost cattle Ponzi scheme

Investors Duped by the ‘Cattle Madoff’ Challenge Big Banks in Huge Fake Cow Ponzi Scandal

Victims affected by a deceased financier dubbed the “Bernie Madoff of cows”…
Biden defends controversial autopen use for mass clemency decisions in NYT interview

In NYT Interview, Biden Explains Use of Autopen for Widespread Clemency Decisions

Former President Joe Biden explained his reasoning behind using an autopen in…
LA to NYC high-speed train proposed ahead of FIFA World Cup

High-Speed Train from LA to NYC Proposed Before FIFA World Cup

A high-speed rail line hopes to connect Los Angeles to New York…
Senate GOP Plans Another Bite of the Reconciliation Apple, and Guess Who's Opposed

Senate Republicans Try Again with Reconciliation, but Opposition Arises

The One Big Beautiful Bill has been approved and signed into law…
Accused killer of Minnesota lawmakers teases 'important details' in letter during jailhouse interview

Minnesota Lawmakers’ Accused Killer Hints at ‘Important Details’ in Jail Interview Letter

The individual charged with the fatal shooting of a Minnesota legislator and…
Screengrab of Constance Marten being interviewed by police.

Constance Marten Breaks Down in Tears Over Newborn’s Death While Fleeing with Partner

THIS is the moment “selfish” runaway aristocrat Constance Marten sobbed as she…
Trump Praises FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino: 'He's a Very Good Guy'

Trump Commends FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino: 'A Great Man'

This past weekend was marked by significant drama, with both political sides…
Blue city officers flocking to cop-friendly red states, police leader says: ‘Why would anyone stay?’

Police Officers Moving to Red States in Droves: ‘What’s the Point of Staying?’ Says Union Leader

In cities predominantly overseen by Democratic leaders, law enforcement officers are relocating…
KFC offering free bucket of chicken as part of its 'comeback' era

KFC Celebrates ‘Comeback’ Era with Free Bucket of Chicken Offer

After ranking toward the bottom of a recent fried chicken fast food…
French right-wing National Rally party HQ raided by police in 'harassment operation'

French Police Raid National Rally Party Headquarters in Alleged Harassment Action

The headquarters of the French right-wing National Rally party were searched on…