Kids’ social media safety is at a crossroads in Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is considering whether to sign HB 1, which—if it becomes law—would become the new national gold standard for protecting kids online.
Critics claim that the bill, which the Florida legislature approved on Feb. 22, is inconsistent with privacy and parental rights, but their concerns don’t pass muster. The governor has until Friday to decide whether to sign it.
HB 1 would require social media platforms that use algorithmic recommendation systems or addictive design features to verify the age of account holders. Social media platforms would be prohibited from allowing children under 16 to hold an account. Section 2 would require porn sites to bar minors under 18 from accessing their platforms.
Some critics assert that the bill would harm anonymity online. But HB 1 requires platforms to…
