Florida lawmakers submitted a social media ban affecting minors under 16 to a skeptical Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday, February 22, raising the prospect of a legal battle.
Legislators in the House were ecstatic as they voted 108-7 to finalize the measure, citing the addictive features of tech firms and their worry for the mental health of children, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times.
However, it is very unlikely that social media will be restricted to Florida minors anytime soon.
In the hours leading up to the measures' passage through the House and Senate, DeSantis voiced his belief that the legislation still needed to address some valid concerns.
Although it is not permitted under the law, he stated his desire for parents to have the power to bypass the ban. "It's still under negotiation. I don't think it's there yet," DeSantis stated.
Nevertheless, significant legal hurdles await House Bill 1 in the event that DeSantis does not veto it.
'Addicting Features'
The social media giants have taken on the state governments that have banned children's access to certain platforms, arguing that such laws are unconstitutional because they limit children's right to free expression. Despite the judges' approval, none of those prohibitions have been enforced.
According to House Speaker Paul Renner, the law should pass constitutional muster because it differs from what has passed in other states.
The measure outlaws the use of "addicting features" by minors on social media platforms. Unlimited scrolling, alerts and push notifications, auto-playing videos, live-streaming, and showing personal analytics like views or likes are all services that are included in the said features.
Renner said the measure would not impact some social media businesses since they do not use certain services.
Also Read : Mark Zuckerberg, Other CEOs Apologize to Online Harm Victims' Families-What's Their Plan to Protect Users?
More Consequences
House Bill 1's effects would extend beyond children. For example, in order for social networking sites in Florida to accept users older than 16, they would need to use third-party age verification software that scans users' faces or requires them to provide identity. It would be necessary for the third-party firm to have an American address and to remove the data right away.
Additionally, adult-oriented websites would need to have age verification. The sites would be inaccessible to anybody under the age of 18.
On many occasions, federal courts have held that it is illegal to demand personal information, such as age verification, from individuals in order to use the Internet.
A number of people have pointed out the potential benefits of social networking. They may meet with tutors, catch up on news, see instructional videos, and converse with pals all in one place. Renner argued that the risks exceeded the benefits, citing the alarming increases in adolescent despair and suicide.
