The City Council voiced unanimous opposition to a Massachusetts State Legislature bill that would prohibit users under 16 from using social media. The bill would also require social media companies to verify the age of current and future adult users, a policy often enforced by requiring them to upload a government-issued ID or undergo a facial scan.

“Access to information and the right to privacy are the foundations of a free society,” said Councilor Henry Santana. “Yet we are currently facing legislation that dismantles this lifeline and threatens the privacy of neighbors.”

The resolution was filed in partnership with Fight for the Future, a Boston-based national digital rights organization. Director Evan Greer said that a growing number of LGBTQ+, human rights, civil liberties, and racial justice groups statewide are urging lawmakers to crack down on the practices of big tech and social media companies, but do so in a way that does not “throw marginalized people under the bus.”

“What this resolution does is really point the path for progressive vision here in MA for regulating the abusive business practices of these corporations rather than punishing families,” she said.

Greer compared the House bill to the Kids’ Online Safety Act (KOSA) and to proposals from the legislature and the governor’s office. She called these proposals misguided and a violation of the First Amendment rights of every adult in the state.

“It also keeps young people away from life-saving online resources. Things like the Trevor Project, suicide prevention hotlines, and other online resources we know are a matter of Life and death, particularly for LGBTQ youth in our city,” she said.

Instead, Fight for the Future supports holding the social media companies themselves accountable by passing privacy, antitrust, and algorithmic justice legislation.

Councilor Julia Mejia said she recognizes the importance of protecting youth online, but restricting their access is not the way forward, as it does not seek to hold Big Tech accountable and instead places the burden wholly on the user.

“Cutting off access to social media will not meaningfully educate our youth on how to have healthy, engaged techniques on social media,” Mejia said.

She additionally highlighted the danger of potential data breaches that would put the private information of individuals at risk, especially LGBTQ users, undocumented residents, and other marginalized individuals.

“Considering all the types of surveillance we may see from the current federal government, we need to ensure that we’re protecting our loved ones, not putting them at further risk,” she said. “As a sanctuary city for [LGBTQ] and immigrant communities, Boston must stand strong in its values and oppose these pieces of legislation. We must protect civil rights, privacy, and digital freedom.”

Supporters of the bill say that the age verification system will protect children from harmful content and addictive social media algorithms.

“The science is clear that exposure to social media at a young age can have a harmful effect on a minor’s development. By banning it for those 13 and under and allowing for parental consent for those who are 14 or 15, we will ensure that children are protected while giving them the ability to express themselves online at a safe and appropriate age,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz.

Similar sanctions on social media use have been supported by Governor Maura Healey, who announced in January that she would file legislation requiring age verification, parental consent, and disabling addictive features for users under 18 years old.

“Look, scrolling TikTok or Instagram, it’s fun! But there’s a time and a place. And especially for our kids, it’s driving so much anxiety and impacting their self-esteem,” said Healey. “We’re going to prevent social media companies from targeting kids for profit. Parents are trying to protect their kids, and we’re going to help them do it.”