Texas advances sweeping ban on social media for minors

ANKARA

Texas is on the track to become the second US state to implement a comprehensive ban on social media use by minors, as the state legislature nears the end of its current session, US media has reported.

Supporters and critics alike note that, if passed, the measure would mark the toughest state-level restriction on social media to date, NBC News reported on Saturday.

The proposal is part of a broader nationwide push by states to tighten controls on youth access to social media, amid ongoing concerns about digital safety, mental health, and free speech.

Under the proposed law, anyone under the age of 18 in Texas would be prohibited from creating or using accounts on social media platforms, according to NBC News.

Companies would be required to verify users’ ages and provide a mechanism for parents to request deletion of their children’s accounts -- something platforms would be obligated to carry out within 10 days.

The bill also classifies violations as “deceptive trade practices,” making offenders liable to civil penalties and potential legal action.

The legislation has already passed the Texas House and is expected to clear the Senate soon.

NBC News quoted Governor Greg Abbott’s spokesperson, Andrew Mahaleris, as saying that child safety and online privacy are key concerns for the governor, who plans to carefully consider any measure that aligns with those priorities.

Most notably, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, signed a law last year that bars children under 14 from using social media platforms, making Florida the first state to implement this kind of ban.