Ind. Senator Removes Private Right of Action From Kids' Social Media Bill
Indiana state Sen. Mike Bohacek (R) is cutting “about two-thirds” of a social media bill requiring age verification to address concerns with the measure (SB-11), he said at a Senate Judiciary hearing Wednesday evening.
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The bill would prohibit kids 15 years old and younger from social media unless they have parental permission. At the webcast hearing, Bohacek, the bill's sponsor, said he's responding to some initial concerns with an amendment that removes two private rights of action and better defines social media. Also, he said he plans to add a 30-day right to cure for businesses. Bohacek blamed social media for kids’ mental health issues.
Chair Liz Brown (R) supported the changes. "This is a work in progress, but ...an important work in progress."
The bill infringes on kids’ First Amendment rights, said Christopher Daley, American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana executive director: Courts have blocked similar laws in other states. However, Brown shot back that kids have no First Amendment right to disobey their parents’ wishes to keep them off social media. “We’re giving the parents a tool.”