Senate advances bill to regulate social media encryption protecting minors against online predators

A pivotal discussion on child safety and online privacy took place during the Florida Senate Committee on Rules meeting on April 16, 2025, as lawmakers debated Senate Bill 868, aimed at regulating social media use by minors. The bill seeks to address the alarming rise in online predation by requiring social media companies to provide law enforcement with access to encrypted communications when a subpoena is issued.

Senator Angolia, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the urgent need for such measures, citing the challenges law enforcement faces in prosecuting online predators due to end-to-end encryption. "Once they go to end-to-end encryption, it's basically game over," he stated, highlighting the difficulty in obtaining evidence necessary for prosecution. The bill proposes that social media platforms must disable disappearing messages for minor accounts and implement a mechanism for decrypting communications when required by law enforcement.

Supporters of the bill, including several state attorneys, voiced their concerns about the increasing number of child exploitation cases linked to social media. State Attorney Amira Fox remarked on the difficulties in prosecuting predators, stating, "Social media platforms have made it very difficult for prosecutors." She urged lawmakers to support the bill to help protect children from online threats.

However, the bill faced significant opposition from privacy advocates and some lawmakers who argued that it infringes on minors' rights and could expose them to greater risks. Critics, including representatives from various organizations, expressed concerns that the legislation could create vulnerabilities in digital security, potentially leading to misuse of personal data. "There’s no such thing as a safe way to find a backdoor into encrypted social media platforms," warned Romina Montenegro from the Florida Student Power Network.

The committee ultimately voted in favor of the bill, signaling a step towards enhanced regulation of social media platforms in the interest of child safety. As the bill moves forward, it will likely continue to spark debate over the balance between protecting children and preserving privacy rights in the digital age.