Big tech companies battle Florida over teenagers’ access to social media

TAMPA, Florida – A new January will come Florida a law prohibiting creativity for teenagers under the age of 14 should enter into force social networks accounts on sites like Facebook, Snapchat, and YouTube. But the Computer and Communications Industry Association, which represents those companies, said the law violates the constitution and is now asking a judge to issue an injunction to prevent the law from taking effect.

“This is obviously a huge security concern. I understand where they’re coming from, the government, but I don’t think it can be understated that part of the problem is not just that children have access, it’s that other people have access to children, said attorney Sarah Hammond.

According to a survey by Stastica.com in 2022, nationwide, about 68% of 11-12 year olds already had social media accounts. Under this law, these accounts will effectively be closed.

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As part of the lawsuit, the CCIA says the law only applies to websites that minors like to use regularly, like Instagram and TikTok, and doesn’t apply to game streaming services like Xbox Live, where teens can actively interact with users. . They argue that this is inconsistent with the First Amendment.

“Because it’s more nuanced and a less visible physical danger, it’s going to be harder to control it in an effective way. And I think it’s also going to be very difficult to provide it in an efficient way,” Hammond said.

As Hammond explained, the law places the sole burden on companies to virtually verify a person’s age.

“This social media law violates the First Amendment rights of both minors and adults by creating significant barriers to access online information that every American, including minors, has a right to see. Protecting children online is an important goal the CCIA shares with lawmakers, and a far better way to ensure their protection is to give parents the information and tools they need to protect their children from inappropriate content, as digital service providers have done for decades.” in a statement from a CCIA representative.

MORE: According to Pew Research, an increasing number of Americans regularly get their news on TikTok

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is responding to the lawsuit.

“We are considering the lawsuit; however, as a mother, Attorney General Moody will aggressively fight in court to ensure that Florida’s children can be protected,” a spokesperson for the Florida AG told FOX 13 in an email Tuesday night.

As for the lawsuit, both sides are now awaiting a judge’s decision on whether to issue a temporary injunction blocking the law while the lawsuit works its way through the courts.

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