Under a bill currently making its way through Georgia's legislature, anyone under the age of 18 who wants to use social media would have to get "express consent" from their parent or guardian before doing so.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the measure, which would also require social media companies to verify a person's identity before allowing them to use the site, is part of an overall "Children on Social Media Act of 2024" that aims to protect kids from "inappropriate content, cyber-bullying, anxiety, and even depression."
State Sen.
Jason Anavitarte, who's co-authored the bill, says it's "well within the government's role" to protect kids from the "detrimental effects" of social media, but critics say it's an invasion of privacy and a violation of First Amendment rights.
"The ability of minors to access non-obscene content without parental consent has been upheld as a First Amendment right in itself, and that right carries through to internet services," writes Josh Withrow in a post at Boing Boing.
"Moreover, social media giants would need to verify the guardians of youths wishing to use social mediameaning they would be involved in very personal issues, like foster care,
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