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.

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.

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.

Can you believe that 2024 is almost here? With that being said this article will give you "5 Florida laws that go into effect January 1st, 2024." It's Florida so you may think these new laws are going to be bizarre but they're honestly not that bad.

House Bill 543 went into effect on July 1st  and it has caused a lot of controversy. This bill states that a person who wishes to carry a concealed weapon or firearm can do so without obtaining and maintaining a concealed weapon or concealed firearm license.

Even though you no longer need a permit, I still recommend that everyone take the class. Taking the class has made me a responsible gun owner, I learned about gun safety and the proper protocols of when to use it. If you want to own a gun but have never used one, do yourself a favor and take the class! While there are people against this law, others think that this law going to effect is one of the best things to happen in our state.

I think I already know what you're going to say. Most of us do want recreational marijuana passed in Florida. I thought this law would be passed before the permit-less carry but I guess not. Do you think it will ever pass? I think we can expect to see it on the ballot in the 2024 elections. Feel free to email me Babs@wild941.com.

I also wish there was a law where the rent prices in Florida could be capped. It seems like rent goes up every year and our places are not being upgraded. If you're going to keep raising the rent, at least upgrade the fridge, television, washer, etc.

Below are 5 new Florida laws that will go into effect January 1st, 2024! Be safe and Happy Holidays.

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

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

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

House Bill 1275 which is also known as the “Protect Our Loved Ones” Act, will allow local law enforcement agencies to develop and maintain a database, known as a “Persons with Disabilities Registry.” This bill may assist officers in their official duties by preparing them to respectfully and appropriately interact with an individual enrolled in the registry who has a relevant disability or condition. Read More 

House Bill 1277 personal identifying information relating to enrollment of people in the special persons registry & persons enrolled in special persons registry will be exempt from public records. The bill authorizes local law enforcement agencies to disclose confidential & exempt information to certain persons under certain circumstances; provides for exempt status of such information held by those individuals. Read More