Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is urging the legislature produce a different, yet “superior” bill that proposes to keep minors off social media platforms which are viewed as harmful and addictive.
DeSantis vetoed legislation on March 1 that would bar those under the age of 16 from holding social media accounts. Legislators in the House and Senate face a decision to override the veto or address the governor’s concerns.
On Feb. 22, state legislators approved a bill that would prohibit minors from having any platforms which give them the ability to upload content or view activity from another user. Legislation doesn’t specifically name social media platforms like Tik Tok, Facebook or Instagram, but the bill states minors would be banned from platforms which track user activity and use addictive design features which cause “excessive and compulsive use.”
DeSantis shared his issues with the bill, specifically the lack of a parent’s decision to keep their minors off social media, as it worked its way through the House and Senate. Opponents to House Bill 1 shared similar concerns during debates on the floor.
“Protecting children from harms associated with social media is important, as is supporting parents’ rights and maintaining the ability of adults to engage in anonymous speech,” DeSantis wrote in his veto message to House Speaker Paul Renner.
Supporters like Florida Keys state Rep. Jim Mooney and Renner said legislation protects children who are vulnerable to cyberbullying and predators on social media. The bill passed the Senate via a 23-14 vote and the House with a resounding 108-7 vote of support.
Florida legislators can override the governor’s veto with a two-thirds vote or come back with a bill that addresses DeSantis’ concerns. The Florida legislature would need to act by Friday, March 8, which marks an end to a busy 60-day session.
