Judge Permanently Blocks Ohio Social Media Age Law

A federal judge has permanently struck down Ohio's Social Media Parental Notification Act, passed in 2023, which required parental consent for residents under 16 to create social media accounts, ruling it violates the First Amendment. Judge Algenon Marbley found the law unconstitutionally vague and an improper restriction on minors' free-speech rights, despite the state's intent to protect children from online harms. The tech industry group NetChoice, representing major platforms, challenged the law, arguing it infringed the constitutional rights of both children and websites. Marbley emphasized that the law's broad approach, including requiring only one-time parental approval and not targeting specific harmful features, was insufficiently tailored to address the state's concerns. The decision follows a trend of federal courts blocking similar laws in other states. Ohio's Attorney General is reviewing the decision and considering an appeal.