DeSantis Signs Bill Barring Children Under 14 from Social Media Platforms in Florida

Florida’s newest law cracks down on minors’ exposure to social media, in a move lawmakers say further elevates parental rights in the state and protects children from addiction, predators, and other dangers waiting in the digital realm. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 3: Online Protections for Minors in Jacksonville on March 25, prohibiting minors under 14 from using social media, requiring parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds, and mandating age verification on sites with “harmful” content such as pornography. The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, and will require social media platforms to terminate all accounts known to be held by minors under 14 years of age or those who are 14 or 15 but don’t have parental consent, as well as all personal information held by the company....