However, opponents have raised concerns about the bill’s efficacy, arguing that the state Legislature is violating students’ First Amendment rights and raising privacy concerns for all Georgia residents. Bans on social media usage in schools will extend to all electronics connected to school Wi-Fi networks, preventing teachers from incorporating tools like educational YouTube videos into their lessons.
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Mandating that websites collect and store personal information also raises a slew of safety and privacy concerns, particularly in the event of a hack or data breach. The law could also effectively restrict access to adult content for Georgia residents regardless of age. Online pornography website Pornhub currently restricts access from users in seven states (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia) due to age verification laws.
A federal judge has already blocked the Arkansas law, citing concerns over its effectiveness and constitutionality. Whether the bill will be challenged or overturned in Georgia remains to be seen, but Kemp stated that he was not worried about the bill’s chances in court.
“If we were concerned about all the legal challenges that we may get this session, we probably wouldn’t have passed anything,” Kemp said. “I’m not too worried about that. I think most people want us taking common sense actions to protect our children, especially from bad actors when it comes to access to social media, and what they’re getting off of their phones or computers now, and I think parents in the state want us to do that as well.”
The ACLU of Georgia and Georgia First Amendment Foundation have spoken out against SB 351 throughout the legislative session, and NetChoice, a trade association aimed at protecting free enterprise and expression on the internet, condemned the bill’s passage.
“SB 351 breaches Georgians’ privacy, endangers security, violates constitutional rights, and creates a one-size-fits all ‘solution’ that erases parents,” NetChoice Vice President Carl Szabo said in a statement. “It’s unfortunate to see Georgia implement a similar, failed idea as some other states across the country. Already, states like Ohio have unsuccessfully tried to enact similar approaches, and various courts have echoed concerns when halting these laws. There are better ways to protect Georgians, their families and their data online without infringing on their freedoms or jeopardizing their safety and security.”
SB 351 is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2025.
