Florida Governor Signs Law Restricting Social Media Access for Minors Under 16

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has On Monday signed a law that restricts social media access for minors under 16, due to concerns about the potential negative effects of these platforms on young people in the United States.

The florida governor has signed a bill that requires social media companies to delete accounts of users under the age of 14. The bill also imposes fines of up to $50,000 for non-compliance..

Parental consents will also be needed of children aged 14 and 15, before signing up for platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.

Social media companies may face lawsuits and fines for not deleting accounts of minors, who could be awarded up to $10,000 (£7,908) on behalf of the guardian. Companies may also be fined up to $50,000 (£39,538) per violation of the law.

The state’s Republican speaker Paul Renner called the bill his top priority, explaining that social media is filled with risks from traffickers and pedophiles, “social media platforms have caused a devastating effect in the mental well being of our children.”

The new Law is set to come into effect from January next year, although challenges by firms claiming it violates the US constitution are expected but ” We’re going to beat them and we’re never, ever going to stop.” Mr Renner said

There is increasing concern nationwide about the impact of social media on the growth and education of children and teenagers.

Legislation in Florida and other states seeks to give parents more input in controversial areas, especially LGBTQ education in schools.