DeSantis signs strict social media bill facing First Amendment challenge

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed the country’s most restrictive social media ban for minors on Monday. The bill faces legal opposition on the basis of the First Amendment.

The bill, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2025, bars children under age 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have any. Social media companies that violate the law can be fined $50,000, and existing accounts of minors must be deactivated. The legislation was a top priority for Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, a Republican.