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Meta's Parental Controls, TikTok Ban in Court, & School Phone Limits: Jake Morabito on Tech Radar
Introduction
In a bid to enhance child safety online, Meta has introduced new parental control features in Texas, aligning with the state’s recently enacted HB18 law aimed at protecting children from harmful content on social media platforms. With these features, Texas parents can now modify their child's account settings, manage screen time limits, and even delete their child’s account from popular platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Meanwhile, the issue of cell phone use in schools continues to take center stage. Policymakers across the country are moving to limit or outright ban cell phone usage among students, citing concerns over distractions and potential negative health impacts. At least seven states—including Florida, Indiana, and Virginia—have passed legislation addressing this issue. However, some parents have voiced their apprehension, emphasizing the importance of being able to contact their children during emergencies.
In another significant development, the federal court is set to hear oral arguments regarding the U.S. government's attempt to ban TikTok. The company’s parent organization, ByteDance, contends that the ban violates the free speech rights of American users. Lawmakers who support the ban argue that it does not seek to eliminate TikTok entirely but rather mandates the divestment of its Chinese ownership due to national security concerns.
Keyword
- Meta
- Parental controls
- Texas
- HB18
- Social media
- School phone limits
- Cell phone ban
- Distractions
- Health impacts
- TikTok
- ByteDance
- National security
- Free speech
FAQ
Q: What are the new features Meta has introduced for parental controls in Texas?
A: Meta has launched features that allow Texas parents to update their child's account settings, set screen time limits, and delete their child's accounts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Q: Why are some states implementing restrictions on cell phone use in schools?
A: Policymakers cite distractions and potential health impacts as reasons for regulating student cell phone usage in schools.
Q: How many states have passed laws limiting cell phone use in schools?
A: At least seven states, including Florida, Indiana, and Virginia, have enacted such regulations.
Q: What is happening in federal court regarding TikTok?
A: Oral arguments are being heard concerning the government's attempt to ban TikTok, with ByteDance arguing this violates free speech rights for American users.
Q: What do supporters of the TikTok ban claim?
A: Supporters assert that the ban is not aimed at eliminating TikTok entirely but requires divestment from its Chinese ownership due to national security issues.