Federal judge pauses Ohio social media law requiring parental consent for kids' accounts

An Ohio law that would have required parental consent for creating social media accounts for children under 16 cannot take effect as scheduled, as ruled by a federal judge. The judge stated that the law likely violates the First Amendment in significant ways. The decision to pause the law temporarily marks a victory for the tech industry, which has been challenging various state social media laws. These laws have been introduced due to concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, especially among minors. The tech industry group, NetChoice, is challenging the Ohio law, arguing that it infringes on the First Amendment rights of social media companies and underage individuals. Similar laws have also been challenged in Arkansas, California, and Utah.