If you’re under 16 and your favorite social media app disappears from your screen soon, it might not be because your phone is acting up. In fact, if you suddenly don’t see TikTok on your phone, it could be because the state of Florida told TikTok to delete it.
In a landmark move on Thursday afternoon, it may soon be against the law for anyone under the age of 16 to use TikTok, Instagram, and most social media services anywhere in the state. If the proposal becomes law, it will be widely considered the most restrictive state law affecting social media in the U.S.
Florida Senators voted 23-14 to ban “any social media site that tracks user activity, allows children to upload material and interact with others, and uses addictive features designed to cause excessive or compulsive use,” according to Associated Press (AP). This definition applies to nearly all major social media apps and websites currently being used by teens and adults in the U.S., including TikTok, Instagram, Reels, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Facebook.
Now that the FL Senate has had its say on social media, the possible law goes to the FL House of Representatives for a vote. It is expected to pass, since an earlier version of the one the Senate voted on did so without much debate.
If the bill becomes law, social media companies will be required to shut down any account created by anyone under sixteen – with or without a parent’s permission. Furthermore, if a parent asks social media companies to shut down their child’s account(s), they must do so.
Cougar Standard will continue to follow and report on any new developments.
