Louisiana Raises the Bar on Online Safety: Parental Approval Now Mandatory for Social Media (Under 16)
This is a bold step by the state of Louisiana, to protect the future of our nation’s youth in the online world. Starting next month, a new law requires children under the age of 16 to get parental permission in order to access social media platforms. A move in response to a broader national angst about how internet media can pose a threat to minors and then a safety decision.
Starting next month a new Louisiana law will require children under 16 to get parent approval to access social media.
You can be fined up to $2500 for each violation of this act 😳 PIC.TWITTER.COM/0FLT2G3FJ4
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) JUNE 3, 2024
So far, the legislation sets pretty unfussy ground rules: In short, kids under the age of 16 will need their parents’ consent for the creation and upkeep of social media accounts. School officials say this firewall is designed to help protect young users from viewing inappropriate content, falling prey to cyberbullies & protect them from potential predators. The parents will be more involved in that they will either be required to verify their identity as well as their relationship to the child via online form, or to actually produce identifying documents. The legislation is enforceable by state not federal watchdogs, who have the power to hit social media companies with fines in the millions of dollars for failures to comply. These platforms will be responsible for the age verification and parental consent requirements that will act as a shield from minors to access these platforms.
A Double-Edged Sword: Protecting vs. Limiting
This new law is a two-edged sword. Parents will till the end have control over the internet activity of your kids, children under 16 will have a little more difficulty using social media. The law could unintentionally restrict them from joining their peers, engaging in internet communities, and practising internet literacy. They’ve essentially replaced tip-toeing across the lawn and knocking on your friend’s window (or in my day, sending an AIM), and for younger generations, this is a big deal. This complex dilemma is at the heart of the tension between safeguarding children and promoting their online participation.
The law requires social media companies to make significant changes, Everything from the process of user registration to privacy policies might have to be completely rehauled. There are some solutions like strong age verification and parental consent to more complex user onboarding This might mean wading into technical aspects like how the heck they’re going to connect with third-party verification services or use facial recognition technology without interrupting data privacy.
A Divided Opinion: Safety vs. Freedom
This law has attracted mixed opinion from the public. Supporters describe the measure as essential to protect the vulnerable minds of the youth from the seedier parts of the web. But critics warn about infringement of minors’ privacy and freedom of speech. The discourse brings to light the precarious balance we must tread between security and freedom in a modern, digital world.
The Louisiana law is far from an isolated example. A similar law in Massachusetts was an example of a national movement to control minors’ online activities. A spate of similar laws is being considered and passed throughout the United States, reflecting broader concerns the impact of social media on children’s mental health and wellness.
A Spark for Further Discussion
Minnesota law opens the door for more discussion, and possibly state- or federal-level legislation. The fundamental question remains: How do we protect our children online, as well as their digital rights and freedoms? The law in Louisiana opens up this necessary dialogue and leads the way for how online safety for minors should be addressed in the U.S.
