ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill regarded as one of the most restrictive bans for minors when it comes to social media use.
However, its fate is still likely to be decided in court.
"I'm gonna fight like hell to uphold this in court," Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said.
Under the bill, anyone under 14 years old will either lose or be barred from using certain social media platforms with "addictive" features. Lawmakers define those features like infinite scrolling, push notifications or alerts, auto-play videos, or live-streaming functions.
The bill doesn't name specific companies but platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat contain those features.
Meanwhile, anyone 14 or 15 years old will need parental approval.
Previously, the governor vetoed a version of the social media bill that aimed to ban social media for teens under 16, regardless of parental permission.
Lawmakers and supporters believe the bill is necessary due to online security and safety concerns, along with the impact they said social media has on children's and teens' mental health.
The bill, however, is likely to be challenged in court.
Other states with their own social media restrictions have either been blocked or delayed over First Amendment concerns.
"I'm concerned about the abridgment of parents' rights," said James Lake, an attorney who specializes in First Amendment and media law for Thomas & LoCicero law firm in Tampa.
Lake calls the bill unconstitutional, citing uncertainty over how the state will impose its age verification requirements while ensuring companies can comply with them and keep information secure.
"I think there's a lot of risk here to those companies to expect them to comply with this law but not keep the proof they did it," Lake said.
Lake also noted companies may be sued for thousands of dollars per violation under the bill and the lawyer who brings the case can recover attorney's fees.
The bill is set to become law on Jan. 1 if it doesn't face any legal hurdles.