(NewsWorthy.news) – In his latest move to protect minors from harmful social media exposure, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that prohibits kids under the age of 14 from using social media.
On Monday March 25, the popular Republican governor and former GOP presidential candidate signed House Bill 3, titled, “Online Protections for Minors.” The new law bans kids younger than 14 from using social media and requires parental consent for 14 and 15-year-olds to use the platforms. It also institutes a mandatory age verification system be installed on sites that feature “harmful” content.
The bill will become effective on January 1, 2025, at which time all social media platforms will be required to end every account that is operated by kids under the age of 14 as well as those who are 14 or 15 but do not have parental consent. All personal information about these minors that was obtained by the company during account set up and use is also mandated to be deleted.
While there is a 90-day window during which minors are able to challenge the cancellation of their accounts, social media companies must delete them within five business days if the request is made by a minor and 10 business days if asked to do so by a parent. Per the state’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, platforms could be fined up to $50,000 for each violation of the new law. Minors who are deemed to have been victims of such violations could receive damages of up to $10,000.
DeSantis has said that the purpose of the bill is to protect children from harmful material and predators who now have a greater chance of exposing them to dangers because of digital technology. He explained that even if a child is “in the house safe,” he or she may still be victimized by “predators” that are able to come “into your own home.”
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