Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has endorsed a bill that imposes restrictions on minors’ access to social media platforms.
The legislation prohibits children under 14 from joining social media in the state and mandates parental consent for those aged 14 or 15.
Additionally, minors may be eligible for damages of up to $10,000 under this law, while companies could face fines of up to $50,000 per violation, along with legal expenses.
DeSantis, speaking at the bill-signing ceremony, emphasized the importance of aiding parents in navigating the complexities of raising children in the digital age.
The bill, known as HB3, is set to become effective in January 2025, amid nationwide efforts to regulate social media and address parental concerns about online safety.
Advocates of the law, including Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, argue that excessive social media use can have adverse effects on children’s mental health and expose them to potential risks from online predators.
Similar legislation in other states has faced opposition from NetChoice LLC, a coalition representing major social media platforms.
