Judge blocks Florida social media law restricting youth accounts

A federal judge granted a preliminary matter against HB 3 in Florida, a law related to youth accounts and social media.

American boycott judge Mark Walker in Talhaasi in the court documents obtained by Fox Business says that the law represents a violation of the protection of the first amendment to freedom of expression.

Walker rules in Tuesday with Netchical and Computer Andustry Association, putting HB 3 in waiting until litigation is resolved.

“Today’s ruling is another confirmation that the government cannot control a discourse or monitor the discourse via the Internet. Like all Americans, Floridian has the right to access legal speech without the government controlling what they say, participate or see online,” said Chris Marshaz, director of litigation in the statement.

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“Legislators should focus on the real constitutional alternatives that respect both family independence and freedom of expression.”

“The platforms do not have a constitutional right in the children’s addict for their products,” said Jeremy Redfern, a spokesman for the Republic Public Prosecutor in Florida James Othiar, who is defending his law office, in a statement obtained by Reuters. He said that the Uthmeier office is planning to appeal to the Court of Appeal in the eleventh American district.

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The Governor of Florida Ron Desantis speaks during a press conference held in the office of ice enforcement and removal on May 1, 2025, in Miramar, Florida. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)

HB 3 requires social media platforms to prevent users under 14 years of age and require users under the age of 16 to obtain parental approval before opening an account. It was supposed to enter into force on January 1, but was suspended because of the litigation.

Netchical, which represents social media platforms, has defeated in recent months against similar laws in Utah and California, which restricts the use of social media platforms by young people.

In this photo illustration, the YouTube logo was seen displayed on a smartphone. Commercial groups representing social media companies in the court celebrated the victory in Florida this week. (Mateusz Sldkowski/Sopa Images/Lightroct/Getty Images)

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In Tuesday’s decision, Walker said that parents are concerned about the use of social media for their children, but other rulings that were not defined by the law were offered asylum. Industry groups did not address some parts of the law that social media companies directed to delete youth accounts in the parents’ request.

Reuters contributed to this report.