Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 3, a law set to change how children in the state interact with social media. Under the new legislation, which takes effect on January 1, 2025, children under 14 will be prohibited from having social media accounts. Additionally, teens aged 14 and 15 will need parental consent to access social media platforms. This could have serious economic impacts on companies like Facebook and Instagram, especially if the Florida censorship model is adopted by the incoming FCC administration.
The bill, aimed at protecting young users from the dangers of online exposure, also requires social media companies to delete existing accounts for minors under the new age limits. Parents will have the right to request the termination of their child’s account if they feel it is necessary.
“Social media harms children in a variety of ways,” said Governor DeSantis. “HB 3 gives parents a greater ability to protect their children. Thank you to Speaker Paul Renner (pictured above) for delivering this landmark legislation.” Renner echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the measure in safeguarding youth from online threats, such as mental health risks and predatory behavior. “The internet has become a dark alley for our children,” Renner stated, warning of the dangers that have become all too common in the digital age.
To enforce the law, social media companies will be required to use “reasonable age verification methods,” including measures to keep user data anonymous and secure. This provision aims to ensure privacy while verifying users’ ages. Importantly, personal information collected for verification cannot be retained or used for any purpose beyond confirming age.
The legislation makes exceptions for email and messaging programs, recognizing the necessity of these services for communication. Supporters of the bill argue that it addresses the growing concern over the negative impact of social media on children’s mental health, citing rising rates of depression and self-harm linked to social media use.
Despite support from many parents and lawmakers, the law is expected to face legal challenges. Similar regulations in other states have sparked debates over free speech and parental rights. Critics argue that age restrictions could be difficult to enforce and may infringe on the rights of teenagers to access online information.
The legislation also includes a separate section targeting websites that host content deemed “harmful to minors.” Such sites must use independent third-party services to conduct age verification and prevent underage access. Companies found in violation could face hefty fines, and parents could seek damages if their children are harmed as a result of unauthorized access. As the effective date approaches, social media companies and privacy advocates will likely be watching closely, anticipating how the law will be implemented and enforced across Florida.
