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Starting January 1, 2025, new legislation will take effect in Florida that prohibits individuals under the age of 14 from accessing social media.
The measure aims to protect children's mental health and give parents greater control over their children's online activities.
What does the new law entail?
The regulations impose a total ban on minors under 14, meaning they are not allowed to have accounts on social media.
Parental consent is required for individuals under 16 years old, meaning that teenagers aged 14 and 15 will need their parents' permission to access these platforms.
Another requirement is mandatory verification. Platforms must implement an age verification system using third parties to ensure compliance with the law.
Companies are required to cancel the accounts of minors who do not meet the criteria set forth in the new law, which primarily aims to protect minors' personal data.
In this regard, companies must permanently delete all information gathered from closed accounts.
Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, emphasized that this legislation "gives parents greater ability to protect their children" and addresses the increasing mental health issues associated with excessive social media use among children and teenagers.
Debate on legislation
The law has created a divide between its supporters and opponents. Proponents argue that social media contributes to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders among young people, and that it is necessary to limit their exposure to protect their well-being.
Critics argue that the regulation could violate constitutional rights such as freedom of expression, and that decisions regarding the use of social media should rest with parents, not the government.
Reactions from technology companies
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, expressed its opposition to the measure, citing concerns about user privacy due to the requirement to verify ages. However, it supported the idea of federal regulation to ensure parental controls on app downloads.
Florida joins other states such as Utah, Arkansas, and Texas, which have implemented similar measures to regulate children's access to social media. Experts anticipate that this trend could extend to more states in the near future.
The regulations also allow parents to sue companies that do not comply with legal requirements, providing an additional tool to ensure their children's digital safety.
The state of Florida seeks to balance the protection of minors with parental rights, while facing the legal and technical challenges posed by the implementation of this law.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ban on Social Media Use by Minors in Florida
What does the new law in Florida establish regarding the use of social media by minors?
The new law in Florida prohibits minors under 14 from having social media accounts and requires teenagers aged 14 and 15 to obtain parental permission to use these platforms. This regulation aims to protect the mental health of young people and give parents greater control over their children's online activity.
Why has this law been implemented in Florida?
The law is implemented to protect minors from the risks associated with social media use, such as cyberbullying, exploitation by predators, and negative effects on mental health. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized that this legislation enhances parents' ability to safeguard their children.
What reactions have there been regarding the new law?
The law has created divisions between supporters and critics. While some argue that it is necessary to protect young people, others contend that it could violate constitutional rights, such as freedom of expression, and that decisions about social media use should be left to parents, not the government.
How will the law affect technology companies?
Technology companies will be required to implement age verification systems and to cancel the accounts of minors who do not comply with the law. They are also obligated to permanently delete all information collected from closed accounts, facing hefty fines for non-compliance.
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