New Bill Could Ban TikTok for Anyone Under 21 — Critics Say It’s a “Free Speech Trap”

A newly proposed federal bill is drawing intense criticism after lawmakers unveiled legislation that would ban TikTok access for Americans under the age of 21, citing national security and mental health risks.

Introduced by Senator Blake Norwood (R–MO), the “Digital Youth Defense Act” would make it illegal for tech companies to offer access to “algorithmic short-form video content” to anyone below 21. Violators could face heavy fines or platform restrictions.

“The brain isn’t fully developed at 18. We need to protect young people from psychological manipulation, foreign influence, and dangerous trends,” Norwood stated during a press briefing.

Also Read: Elon Musk Secretly Funding Underground Campaign to Create a ‘Digital Constitution’

Civil liberty advocates and internet users immediately pushed back, calling the bill a veiled attempt at censorship and control.

“This is a free speech trap, plain and simple,” said Nadya Clarke, legal director at the FreeNet Coalition. “It’s not about safety it’s about power.”

The proposed age limit sparked a firestorm on social media, with millions of Gen Z users protesting under the hashtag #KeepTikTokFree. Even some conservatives are divided, with libertarians warning of government overreach.

The bill is expected to be debated in committee next month.

Follow us on X @Dobblog1