Federal judge extends block on enforcement of Ohio law that would require children under 16 to get parental consent to use social media apps.

A federal judge extends a block on enforcement of an Ohio law that would require children under 16 to get parental consent to use social media apps as a legal challenge proceeds. U.S. District Court Judge, Algenon Marbley’s decision to grant a preliminary injunction prevents the law from taking effect, while a lawsuit, filed earlier this month by NetChoice winds its way through court. NetChoice is a trade group representing TikTok, Snapchat, Meta and other major tech companies. The group is fighting the law as overly broad, vague and an unconstitutional impediment to free speech. The law, originally set to take effect on Jan. 15th is similar to ones enacted in other states, including in California and Arkansas, where NetChoice has won lawsuits. In his decision, Marbley said NetChoice is likely to prevail on its First Amendment speech freedom arguments.