Federal judge blocks Utah social media laws protecting children

A federal judge in Utah has issued a preliminary injunction against new social media laws designed to protect children's mental health and privacy, stating they are unconstitutional. The laws, which were set to take effect on October 1, required social media companies to verify users' ages, limit features for minor accounts, and allow parents access to their children's accounts. The judge, Robert Shelby, acknowledged the state's intention to safeguard young people but found no compelling justification for infringing on the First Amendment rights of social media companies. The legislation, known as the Utah Minor Protection in Social Media Act, was intended to replace previous laws deemed unconstitutional. Governor Spencer Cox expressed disappointment with the ruling, emphasizing the ongoing harm social media poses to children and the need for companies to prioritize their well-being over profits. He indicated that Utah would continue to advocate for stronger protections. NetChoice, a trade association representing internet companies, argued that the laws would require residents to provide more personal information than is typically collected, increasing the risk of data breaches. The organization has previously challenged similar regulations, asserting that they overreach and violate constitutional rights. The judge's decision marks the sixth injunction against such laws, prompting calls for policymakers to seek more effective and constitutional solutions to address the challenges posed by social media in the digital age.