ISLAMABAD: With growing concerns over the harmful effects of social media on children, the U.S. state of Florida will implement a ban on social media use for children under the age of 14, starting January 1, 2025.
This move follows Australia’s recent legislation prohibiting children under 16 from using social media platforms.
Social Media Ban Details
From January 1, 2025, it will be illegal for children under 14 in Florida to maintain social media accounts, as reported by The Business Magnets.
- Ages 14 and 15: Teens in this age group will require parental approval to have accounts.
- Platform Compliance: Social media platforms will be mandated to terminate accounts belonging to users under 14 or those aged 14 and 15 without parental consent. Users will have a 90-day period to appeal account closures.
- Verification Requirements: All new accounts will require third-party age verification. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to $50,000 per violation.
Additionally, platforms must identify and terminate existing accounts suspected to belong to children under 14, also allowing a 90-day appeal window, according to The Tallahassee Democrat.
Also Read:Australia to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16
Legal Challenges
Despite the January 1 enforcement date, the law faces legal challenges on First Amendment grounds.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office announced last month that the law will not be enforced on major social media platforms until a court ruling on a preliminary injunction.
Also Read: Government Installs Firewall on the Social Media
A hearing on the matter is scheduled for late February, reported by The Tallahassee Democrat.
