Federal judge temporarily blocks Utah social media law aimed at protecting children

Associated Press

A federal judge in Utah temporarily blocked a social media access law aimed at protecting children’s privacy. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Shelby issued a preliminary injunction against the law on Tuesday. The law would have required social media companies to verify users’ ages and limit features for Utah children to prevent excessive use. It was set to take effect on Oct. 1 but will be blocked pending the case outcome. Judge Shelby stated the state hadn’t shown a compelling interest in violating First Amendment rights of the social media companies.