Florida Lawmakers Pass Ban On Social Media For Kids

Florida lawmakers passed a bill on Thursday that forces social media companies to keep most minors off their platforms. The Hill reports: The legislation, which passed the state House Thursday after earlier being approved by the Senate, now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis's (R) desk, though he says he's not quite ready to sign on. DeSantis told reporters Friday that he thinks there needs to be a 'proper balance' between government regulations and parental input on the social media issue. 'We'll be wrestling with that,' he said. The governor said he'll be assessing the final version of the legislation likely through the weekend. 'Federal law says 13 and under can't have social media accounts. That's not really enforced,' he said.

The lawmakers who championed the proposed social media ban, which would require platforms check the ages of users through a third-party source, argue it will make the online landscape safer for youths. The legislation passed 108-7 in the state House and 23-14 in the Florida Senate within a matter of hours Thursday.

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