Court ruling declares underage social media ban as unjust under constitutional law
Fun Fact: Did you know that Florida's battle over Social Media for minors has taken a turn? 🧐
The apples-and-oranges standoff between Florida officials and the federal court has reached a new level after a U.S. judge laced into Florida's law attempting to restrict Social Media for the under-14 crowd. 🥊
In plain speak, the judge said, "Florida's law is likely unconstitutional." He added that the court understands the state's concerns about social media's impact on youth, but the law seems to stepping on youngsters' First Amendment rights. 🗣️🚫
Remember when Ron DeSantis signed the bill in March of 2024? That's the law, cough bill, cough, that aimed to keep the under-14 crew off social media, and require parental permission for the 14 and 15-year-olds. Big names like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok already have age restrictions set at 13. 📱 (Fun fact: Some platforms offer a watch-only version for the kids under 13!)
But here's the kicker: this age restriction falls in line with an existing federal law that protects kids under the age of 13 from data collection. 🤔
However, standing up against the judge's decision, Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, plans to appeal. He's not one to back down, stating, "We're going to ask one of the biggest courts in the nation to take a second look at this," [AP quoted]. 🏛️
The fight isn't over yet, folks! 🥳🤨
Now this made us think: Would you let your kids join Social Media at 14 or below? Share your thoughts down below in the comments section! 🤝
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Sources:
- NN Online
- Washington Post
- Reuters
- NetChoice
- Associated Press
- The judge, in a straightforward manner, deemed Florida's law potentially unconstitutional, expressing concerns about its infringement on the First Amendment rights of young users.
- In March of 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill aiming to restrict the use of social media for minors under 14, with parents' consent for those aged 14 and 15.
- Major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok already have an age restriction of 13, aligning with their goals to protect young users from data collection.
- Some platforms offer a watch-only version for children under 13, providing them with a safer social media experience.
- The fight over the Florida law restricting social media for minors continues, with Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier vowing to appeal the judge's decision.
- This controversy has sparked debate among the public about whether it's appropriate to allow children to join social media at ages 14 or younger. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!
