New law bans minors under 16 from using social media without parental consent – State of the Union

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill into law requiring children under 16 to obtain parental consent to create social media accounts.

The bill takes effect in 2025 and mandates platforms make reasonable efforts to verify users’ ages, such as signed forms or video calls, treating unverified users as underage.

Kemp said the goal is to curb cyberbullying and protect children’s mental health.

“We cannot continue to sit by and do nothing as young Georgians develop addictions and disorder and suffer at the hands of online antagonists,” Kemp said.

Similar laws have passed in other states but been blocked in court.

Georgia’s law also bans social media on school devices/WiFi, requires porn sites verify users are 18, and mandates additional digital education.

Starting in 2023, porn viewers must provide ID verification or companies face fines up to $10k per minor.

Opponents argue the law infringes on rights, saying there are better ways to protect citizens without compromising safety or freedoms.

“There are better ways to protect Georgians, their families and their data online without infringing on their freedoms or jeopardizing their safety and security,” NetChoice vice president Carl Szabo stated.