Federal Judge Strikes Down Ohio Law Restricting Teen Access to Social Media

The federal judge broke Ohio’s laws that limit social media use among teens, marking another victory for the big tech companies fighting similar laws around the country.

Tech Industry Group NetChoice recorded another victory for concern parents Wednesday after Algenon L. Marbley, the industry association representing many of the nation’s largest tech companies, granted a permanent injunction to the Social Media Parent Notification Act in a ruling by the Southern Ohio District Court. Report According to the Bloomberg Act.

The law currently prohibited by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R) from enforcement for Judge Marbleley requires social media platforms to ensure that users are at least 16 years old and establish parental consent for younger users.

In a January 2024 complaint, NetChoice alleged that the law violated the first and 14th amendments as it required Ohio residents to waive their personal data in order to gain access to the platform.

“In general, First Amendment protections do not apply much when the government tries to control the flow of information to minors,” the judge added that given the law is a content-based limitation, the law is necessary to meet strict scrutiny.

Meanwhile, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) called Judge Marbury’s provisional injunction “disappointment” and asked Congress to “protect the children of our country.”