Florida lawmakers file to protect children from sexual predators

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Multiple Florida lawmakers Wednesday filed legislation aimed at protecting children from sexual predators.

Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, filed SB 1196, which increases penalties for groomers and predators, creates new guidelines for smartphone and tablet manufacturers, and works to target people who have “sexually explicit” online conversations with minors.

The legislation would require devices activated in Florida prevent themselves from accessing material “harmful to minors” through applications or the internet. It also must notify the user when the filter is activated to block certain content.

Additionally, the filter must give the user a password to bypass the filter. However, an individual would be held liable for disabling or removing the filter off a device used by a minor if such “harmful” content is accessed.