Florida approves project against social networks for children under 16 – 02/23/2024 – Tech

The Congress of the state of Florida, in the United States, approved this Thursday (22) a bill to prohibit the use of social networks by children under 16, a controversial initiative at a time when the country questions the impact of the giants of the internet among young people.

The Lower Chamber approved the text with 108 votes in favor and seven against, just hours after approval in the Senate by 23 to 14.

Its entry into force now depends on the signature of Governor Ron DeSantis, who stated that the project needs modifications.

If the project becomes law, social networks must prevent children under 16 from creating accounts on the platforms and close those that were previously opened, using methods to verify the users’ age.

Most of these networks require a minimum age of 13 to open an account, but do not create many barriers to ensure compliance with this provision.

The project does not mention any specific platform, but is aimed at those that track their users’ activity, allow content to be sent or allow followers to follow other accounts and have a design with addictive characteristics.

“We are talking about businesses that use addictive functions to massively manipulate our children and cause them harm,” said Republican Erin Grall, one of those responsible for pushing the project.

Parliamentarians opposed to the initiative argue that, although social networks can be dangerous, it is the task of parents, not a law, to monitor their children’s use of these platforms.

An opinion that DeSantis appeared to support at a press conference on Thursday. “It may be said to disapprove or prohibit [as redes sociais] for those who are 14 or 15 years old, but parents have the right to give their opinion”, declared the governor.

DeSantis has argued on numerous occasions that parents should have greater control over decisions that affect their children, such as education.

Some critics say the law would violate the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.

DeSantis himself warned in January about the law’s viability, warning that similar texts in other states had been blocked in courts.

A federal judge blocked, for example, in 2023, an Arkansas initiative that required parental consent before their children could open a social media account.