A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Utah law aimed at limiting social media access for minors, granting a reprieve to tech companies and civil liberties groups who argued that the legislation infringes on constitutional rights.
The law, set to take effect on September 15, would have imposed stringent restrictions on social media use by individuals under the age of 18. Among its provisions, the law required parental consent for minors to create social media accounts and imposed curfews that would prevent access during certain hours of the night. The law also mandated that social media companies implement age verification systems and allow parents to monitor their children’s accounts.
U.S. District Judge David Nuffer issued the preliminary injunction, siding with plaintiffs who claimed that the law violated the First Amendment by restricting free speech rights. In his ruling, Judge Nuffer stated that while the state has a legitimate interest in protecting minors from online harm, the law’s broad and sweeping measures were likely unconstitutional.
Nuffer in his decision wrote that, while the protection of minors is a crucial interest for the state, the methods employed by the Utah legislature appear to overreach, placing undue burdens on both minors and their parents. He further noted that the law’s enforcement would have likely led to significant disruptions in how minors access information and communicate online.
The ruling is a setback for Utah lawmakers who championed the bill as a necessary measure to combat the negative effects of social media on youth mental health. Proponents argued that the law would empower parents to better supervise their children’s online activities and shield them from harmful content.
In response to the ruling, Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed disappointment but vowed to continue efforts to protect children online. “We remain committed to finding effective ways to safeguard our youth in the digital age,” Cox said in a statement.
The case is expected to proceed to trial, where the law’s constitutionality will be further examined.
