Federal Judge Blocks Utah Social Media Restrictions

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction blocking the Utah Minor Protection in Social Media Act, which was set to take effect on October 1, 2024. The Act aimed to require social media companies to implement age verification and parental controls to protect minors, but the court found it likely unconstitutional, infringing on First Amendment rights. U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby acknowledged the state's intention to safeguard children from social media's negative effects but emphasized that the law did not meet the stringent constitutional standards required for regulating speech. Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed disappointment over the ruling, asserting that social media companies should voluntarily adopt measures similar to those mandated by the law. The trade association NetChoice, representing major tech firms, argued that the law imposed unjustified restrictions and could lead to mass data collection. As the state considers its next steps, officials remain committed to protecting young users from social media harms.