TALHASSEE – A federal judge has barred state officials from enforcing Florida laws banning social media accounts for young children, while legal challenges unfold. US District Judge Mark Walker issued the order Tuesday, blocking some of the law from becoming effective.
The measure was one of the most restrictive bans in the United States for children’s use on social media when Governor Ron Desantis signed the law in 2024.
Walker wrote in an order granting a temporary injunction sought by the Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice groups, that the law is “unconstitutional,” but acknowledged that parents and lawmakers have “honest concerns” about the impact of social media on children.
Walker wrote that the ban on social media platforms allows certain age groups to create accounts.
While based on the industry group’s claim that the law restricts freedom of speech, Walker allowed the platform to enforce provisions requiring the platform to close accounts for children under the age of 16, if requested by a parent or guardian.
Parents, and even some teenagers, are increasingly concerned about the impact of social media use on youth. Proponents of Florida’s law say it needs to help curb the explosive use of social media among young people, and what researchers say is a linked rise in depression and anxiety.
Matt Shrews, president and CEO of the Industrial Association CCIA, praised the judge’s order for obstructing the law.
“This ruling exemplifies our argument that Florida law violates the First Amendment by blocking and restricting minors and restricting them from using certain websites to view legal content,” he said in a statement. “We look forward to this law permanently blocking it as a violation of the constitutional rights of Floridians to engage in legal speeches online.”
A spokesman for Florida Attorney General James Usmieire defended the law and state efforts to isolate children from social media when platforms like Tiktok, Instagram and Snapchat seem almost impossible to escape.
“Through elected representatives, Florida parents voted in laws that protected children from the harmful and sometimes lifelong tragic effects of social media. These platforms do not have a constitutional right to rely on their children on products.” “We oppose court orders and seek immediate relief in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.”
Kate Payne, Associated Press/US report
Kate Payne is a legion of the Associated Press/America Statehouse News Initiative report. Report for America is a non-profit, national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on infiltrated issues.
