DeSantis signs bill that bans social media accounts for children under 14

A new bill passed by the Florida legislature and signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday bans children under 14 from having social media accounts even if their parents give permission.

Children ages 14 and 15 will need to have parental permission to use apps that have "certain addictive features" and use algorithms.

The bill is a second try after DeSantis vetoed an earlier bill that would have banned children under 16 from having accounts, but it's safe to say he isn't making many fans who are teens with the law.

“I think this did as good a job as you can do — not just to say, ‘Here’s what we think is constitutional in our own judgement’ — but also what we think would ultimately be able to land, given how some judges have gone crosswise on some of these issues,” he said.

Critics said the law violates free speech principles and requires people to give up personal information to get legal accounts.

“We’re disappointed to see Gov. DeSantis sign onto this route,” NetChoice Vice President and General Counsel Carl Szabo said. “There are better ways to keep Floridians, their families and their data safe and secure online without violating their freedoms.”