Update: Social Media Ban For Minors Becomes Law
Social Media has pretty much taken over the world in recent years. Whether you use it for entertainment or call yourself an influencer, you can’t escape it. But, has the rise of social media created new problems for younger generations? A new Florida Bill has made its way through the House to ban children from social media and approved by Governor DeSanits. If it withstands any expected legal challenges, it will take effect on January 1, 2025.
What is Florida Bill CS/HB 1?
The House Judiciary Committee voted 17-5 in favor of the proposed CS/HB 1 bill. If passed, this new Florida Bill would prevent anyone under the age of 16 from creating a new account. The bill would also require social media platforms to terminate the accounts of anyone under the age of 16.
House Speaker Paul Renner and Representative Tyler Sirious agree that social media is harmful to children under the age of 16. Sirios, R-Merritt Island, is co-sponsoring the bill and said, “[lawmakers] have a compelling state interest to keep our kids safe from the content and the addictive features, frankly, that exist in the platforms. I think what we’ve established here is a bright line where we recognize that these platforms, this industry, is not appropriate for minors under the age of 16.” Sirios believes that the technology is ‘readily available’ and can conduct these age screenings both safely and effectively.
How would Social Media Platforms enforce CS/HB 1?
Third-Party organizations would assist in the age verification process, under proposed bill HB 1. Social Media platforms would be required to utilize these organizations to verify the age of all existing users as well as new users. After the age verification process is complete, the information is deleted and destroyed, but is anything really ever destroyed?
The Meta rep, Harvill-Childs, told the Judiciary Committee that the age verification process raises concerns about data privacy. I don’t know about you, but is Meta really one to talk about data privacy? Just last year, Meta agreed to a $725 million lawsuit settlement where they allegedly shared users’ data without consent.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, recently sat down with 20VC with Harry Stebbings on YouTube to discuss app developments. One part that stood out to me was Instagram’s focus on how teens used the app. Mosseri dives into the changes around Instagram and their inspiration for those changes. In the interview, he says, “If you look at how teens spend their time on Instagram, they spend more time in DMs then they do in stories … yet people think of Instagram as a feed and it’s the third most important surface at best … for teens who are some of the most important communities on the platform.” Is Instagram directly changing their app to cater to teenage audiences?
I always assume anything that gets put onto the internet, lives forever. I don’t trust any of these companies to keep my data safe and if you don’t want your information in the system, don’t provide it. Should Florida ban children from social media? To learn more and follow along with the bill, visit the Florida Senate’s website.
5 Florida Laws That Go Into Effect January 1, 2024
Sheriffs Providing Child Protective Investigative Services
House Bill 7071 will require the transfer of child protective investigation services from the seven sheriff’s offices that provide those services back to the Department of Children and Families. DCF currently has contracts with Walton, Seminole, Hillsborough, Pasco Broward, Manatee and Pinellas counites. This transfer will make the DCF the only entity performing child protective investigations in Florida. Read More
State Park Campsite Reservations
House Bill 109 allows Florida residents to reserve state park campsites and cabins one month before non Florida residents. Florida residents can reserve an RV, tent, boat, and equestrian camping up to 11 months in advance. Non Florida Residents can reserve up to 10 months in advance. Florida residents mush show proof that they live in the state. Read More
Pretrial Release and Detention
House Bill 1627 says that only a judge may set, reduce or otherwise alter a defendant’s bail. Also requires that the Florida Supreme Court adopt a uniform statewide bond schedule. Read More
