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.