Published on December 4, 2024 at 10:43 am
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Starting Jan. 1, kids 13 and under will no longer be able to have a profile on certain social media sites. This includes Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord.
Florida legislators call these apps “addictive” and say they are harmful to younger users.
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NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association, whose members include tech giants such as Google and Meta Platforms, filed a federal First Amendment lawsuit in October challenging the social media ban.
The law (HB-3) seeks in part to prevent children under age 16 from opening social media accounts on some platforms — though it would allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts. Children under 14 cannot open accounts.
Critics argue this provision infringes on the right to privacy and free speech.
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“This law would present a barrier for anyone who wants to access lawful speech on the internet,” NetChoice Associate Director of Litigation Paul Taske said.
The agencies have worked out a deal with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to hold off on enforcing the social media ban against platforms they represent until the U.S. District Court takes up the issue.
A preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 28. Tallahassee-based Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker will preside over the hearing.
A jury trial is scheduled for November 2025.
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