TALLAHASSEE, FL—Governor Ron DeSantis has just received the controversial bill banning some minors on social media platforms, indicating its signage into law may be imminent.
After DeSantis vetoed a previous form of the bill that called for a blanket ban on kids under 16 using social media platforms—regardless of parental wishes—the Legislature quickly drafted new language more palatable to the Governor, which allowed 14 and 15-year-olds to access the platforms with parental consent.
"I have vetoed HB 1 because the Legislature is about to produce a different, superior bill," Gov. DeSantis wrote on "X". "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,"
"I anticipate the new bill will recognize these priorities and will be signed into law soon," he added.
Now, the bill has reached his desk, and per his statement on social media, it will become law shortly.
Though the fears of government overreach into parental decisions have been largely assuaged, constitutional issues are threatening the bill's success if and when it becomes law, with many claiming it will be tied up in court.
Netchoice, a tech trade association encompassing some of the largest social media companies in the world, is in vehement opposition, claiming the bill is rife with "significant constitutional flaws" and "would put Florida residents’ privacy and data at risk, leaving them vulnerable to breaches and crime."
"I don't think we should spend more public dollars on lawsuits in this state where we know these bills are inherently unconstitutional," Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani said before the bill passed the House Floor, referencing how social media laws are toppling across the country under the pressures of legal scrutiny.
Netchoice is currently closing in on one such Florida social media law that addresses alleged censorship of conservative voices on social media platforms. The Supreme Court heard the first oral arguments in late February, with Justices hinting at the law's unconstitutionality.
Republican leaders do not share the same concerns. House Speaker Paul Renner took to "X", writing, "Netchoice and Big Tech cronies will launch a lawsuit within seconds of HB 3 becoming law. Not only do we expect it, we invite it! Florida kids do not belong to you," he said, as social media restrictions have been Renner's top priority this session.
"We will not give up the fight to keep kids safe online."
