Republican-Led Administration Impels Ohio Law Requiring Parental Consent for Social Media Access
In a move to safeguard children’s mental health, the administration pushed for a measure that would require parental consent for children to access social media platforms. The Republican Lieutenant Governor, Jon Husted, stated that these platforms were deliberately addictive and harmful for kids. The law was included in an US$86.1 billion state budget bill signed into law by Republican Governor Mike DeWine in July. It is set to go into effect on January 15.
Tech Giants Face Legal Battle Against Ohio’s Social Media Law
A trade group representing major tech companies, including TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook and Instagram operator Meta Platforms, has filed a lawsuit against the state of Ohio over its pending social media law. The law would require children under the age of 16 to obtain parental consent before using social media and video gaming apps. The NetChoice trade group filed the lawsuit against Republican Attorney General Dave Yost in the US District Court for the Southern district of Ohio, seeking to block the law from taking effect.
Lawsuit Filed Against Ohio Over Contentious Social Media Consent Law
The lawsuit argues that Ohio’s social media law infringes upon free speech rights, as it requires social media companies to obtain parental permission for children to sign up for their platforms. The lawsuit also claims that the law is overly broad and vague. Additionally, it mandates that social media companies provide parents with privacy guidelines, so they have a clear understanding of the content that will be moderated or censored on their child’s profile.
Trade Group Challenges Ohio’s Social Media Law on Free Speech Grounds
NetChoice, the trade group challenging Ohio’s social media law, believes that families should have access to educational resources to determine the best approach to online services and privacy protections for themselves. The group argues that the law’s requirement for parental consent infringes upon free speech rights. NetChoice has been successful in previous lawsuits against similar restrictions in California and Arkansas.
Tech Companies Accused of Harming Children in Ohio Lawsuit
Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor, Jon Husted, has described the tech companies’ lawsuit as “cowardly but not unexpected.” Husted claims that these companies are determined to bypass parents and expose children to harmful content, addicting them to their platforms. He also alleges that the tech companies are aware that their algorithms are causing catastrophic health and mental health outcomes for children. The lawsuit puts a spotlight on the contentious debate surrounding the impact of social media on children’s well-being.
In conclusion, the pending social media law in Ohio, which requires parental consent for children to access social media platforms, has prompted a legal battle between major tech companies and the state. The lawsuit filed by NetChoice challenges the law on the grounds of free speech, claiming that it infringes upon the rights of both social media companies and children. Meanwhile, Ohio’s administration argues that the law is necessary to protect children’s mental health from the addictive and harmful effects of social media. This legal dispute demonstrates the ongoing concerns and debates surrounding children’s access to social media and its potential impacts on their well-being.
Analyst comment
Neutral news. Market impact: Uncertain. The legal battle between tech giants and Ohio over the social media consent law creates uncertainty for the market. It may lead to potential changes in regulations and practices, impacting the operations and profitability of tech companies. Investors should closely monitor developments and their potential implications.
