Concerns Raised Over Enforcement and Singling Out a Single Company
Richmond, VA –
A legislative effort led by the GOP to prohibit Virginia children from using the popular video-sharing app, TikTok, has come to an end after failing to gain traction in the Democratic-controlled Legislature. Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin had supported the idea, which aimed to protect children’s mental health. The bill, sponsored by Republican Del. Jay Leftwich, was left in a House of Delegates committee amidst concerns about enforcement and whether targeting one company was the appropriate approach in addressing the broader issues surrounding social media and youth.
Original Bill Revised, but Concerns Remain
The Whole Platform Raises Concerns About Children’s Mental Health and Privacy
Leftwich’s bill had undergone significant revisions since its introduction. The most recent version sought to prohibit TikTok Inc. and its parent company, ByteDance, from providing access to the app for any child within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The bill would have allowed parents or legal custodians to file lawsuits against TikTok, seeking damages for each instance a child accessed the platform. However, the bill failed to progress beyond the House committee, ultimately leading to its demise due to procedural deadlines.
Democrats Raise Concerns Over Enforceability and Parental Responsibility
Debate Over the Role of Government in Limiting Children’s Access to Social Media
Democrats on the committee expressed various concerns, including doubts about enforceability and the government’s role in restricting children’s access to social media platforms. Some argued that parental responsibility should prevail over government intervention in this matter. Del. Holly Seibold, a Democrat from Fairfax County, acknowledged the addictive nature of social media apps but opposed singling out TikTok as the target of the ban.
TikTok Stands Firm, Citing First Amendment Concerns
Company Highlights Tools Aimed at Supporting Teen Well-being on the Platform
TikTok, through spokesperson Jamal Brown, emphasized their commitment to supporting teenagers’ well-being on the app. The company pointed to various tools, such as a 60-minute time limit for users under 18, restrictions on direct messaging, and parental controls. Brown stated that bans like the one proposed in this legislation were not only ineffective but also raised significant First Amendment concerns.
Governor Youngkin Remains Committed to Protecting Youth
Executive Order Prohibits TikTok Use on State Government Devices
Governor Youngkin, who previously issued an executive order banning TikTok on state government devices and wireless networks, continues to prioritize the protection of youth from the potential harms of social media. While his administration supports empowering parents and addressing social media’s negative impacts, this legislative effort has not received his backing.
Similar Measures Taken by Other States, Montana Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Government Efforts to Limit TikTok Use on Government Devices
Other states and the federal government have also taken steps to limit TikTok use on government devices due to national security concerns. Notably, Montana passed a complete ban in 2023, but it was later halted by a federal judge who deemed it unconstitutional.
