The proposed House Bill 1 (HB 1) in Florida, under the guise of “Social Media Use for Minors,” represents not only a concerning legislative overreach but also a misunderstanding of constitutional protections and parental rights.
By mandating social media platforms to verify users’ ages with government-issued ID, HB 1 infringes on First Amendment rights and raises serious privacy concerns, setting a dangerous precedent for the restriction of free speech and access to information, fundamental rights that do not wane with youth.
A more thoughtful, constitutionally aware, and parentally inclusive approach to online safety is imperative, respecting both the rights enshrined in our Constitution and the primacy of parental guidance in the digital age.