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3w ago

Federal Judge Blocks Florida Ban on Minors’ Social Media Accounts

The injunction preserves parental removal of minors’ accounts pending an expected appeal to the 11th Circuit.

FILE - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference in Miami, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
Image
A child using smart phone lying in bed late at night, playing games. Children's screen addiction and parent control concept. Child's room at night. Sensitive content on screen
A boy's hands holding an iPhone showing the icons of various social media apps including YouTube, Facebook, X, TikTok, and Instagram.

Overview

  • The 2024 law would have barred under-16s from opening accounts on platforms defined by algorithms, addictive features or livestreaming while allowing parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds.
  • Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker ruled the statute likely violates the First Amendment and is not narrowly tailored in a 58-page opinion issued June 3.
  • The preliminary injunction leaves intact a provision requiring platforms to remove children’s accounts upon a parent’s request.
  • NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association, whose members include Google, Meta and Snap, secured the injunction after refiling their standing challenge in late March.
  • Florida officials are expected to appeal the decision to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.