Florida wants an encryption backdoor – in the name of children’s safety

• A bill in Florida could force social media platforms to create encryption backdoors for law enforcement
• The "Social Media Use By Minors" bill would prevent minors from using or accessing any ephemeral messaging features
• Privacy experts warn such requirements will make young people less safe online instead

Florida is considering a bill that could force all social media platforms that allow accounts for minors to provide an encryption backdoor for law enforcement.

The bill will also prevent minors from using or accessing ephemeral messaging features, meaning messages that disappear after viewing, including WhatsApp's view once. Social media providers will also be required to give the minors' parents or guardians access to all messages posted by their children.

Known as the "Social Media Use By Minors" bill (SB 868/HB 743), the proposal is the latest legal effort to protect children's safety online ...