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Texas Set to Ban Social Media for Under-18s, Prompting Privacy, Free Speech Concerns

Left 29% Center coverage: 7 sources Right

Austin, Texas

May 28, 2025 (Updated: January 21, 2026) 9 Center Neutral I have kids

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TheWkly Analysis

Austin, Texas: A near-complete bill would bar minors under 18 from using social media, mandating age verification for all accounts. Advocates highlight mental health and online safety, while critics cite free speech and privacy violations. Gov. Greg Abbott is likely to sign. State-level bans could spread to other GOP-led regions, although enforcement remains complex.

Multiple perspectives analyzed from 7 sources

What this means for you:

•	Within 2–4 weeks, confirm if major platforms (TikTok, Instagram) auto-disable teen accounts in Texas.
•	Over 1–2 months, watch for potential black-market or VPN workarounds—some teens might use older siblings’ IDs.
•	If you rely on online teen communities for support or activism, consider alternative private forums or parental consents.
•	Ultimately, the law might shape national debates on child safety vs. digital rights; keep track of lawsuits claiming unconstitutionality.

Key Entities

• Texas Legislature & Gov. Abbott: Driving the policy.
• Under-18 Social Media Users: Potentially locked out.
• Digital Rights Groups: Poised to challenge the law.

Bias Distribution

Left: 14% (1 source)

Center: 29% (2 sources)

Right: 57% (4 sources)

Multi-Perspective Analysis

Left-Leaning View

Criticizes as free speech curb, data privacy risk.

Centrist View

Presents enforcement complexities.

Right-Leaning View

Supports protective approach to minors, seeing it as moral necessity.

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