Florida passes law to restrict networks to minors under 16

Several months after the introduction of a bill on the subject, the Florida House of Representatives approved a law prohibiting minors under the age of 16.

This is a new rule that will not allow people below the above age to use the social network.

The vote in favor of the legislation was 106 to 13. Such progress and approval qualifies as one of the priorities outlined by Speaker of the House and Republican Representative for Palm Coast Paul Renner.

The bill, also known as HB 1, was created to respond to concerns about the mental health of minors. Florida parents also fear the danger posed to their children by sexual predators in the digital space.

direct prohibition

The new law establishes a direct ban on creating accounts on social networks for minors under the age of 16. However, the rule goes further. An order was signed to cancel existing accounts of users under the age of consent for the virtual platform.

How will this be handled? To do this, the law establishes that platforms must use age verification services from independent organizations. Any data compiled during this process will be deleted after age verification.

Renner himself told Telemundo 51 that the measure aims to protect minors from technology that is considered addictive. “Constant use of social networks appears to cause significant harm.” This argument is supported by concerns about mental health issues and the vulnerability of minors to online sexual predators.

The legislative proposal has faced opposition from those who believe it violates constitutionality. Many believe that they also ignore the right of parents to make decisions about their children’s digital education.