Social Media

Florida’s attorney general told reporters in Tampa that he had no role in the Hope Florida settlements. He also announced that the state would be doubling down on protecting children on social media.

New filings relaunched the landmark legal case seeking to overturn the state law, which bans some social media accounts for teens younger than 16, or for 14- and 15-year-olds without a parent’s permission.

Last year, the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis created a law banning minors under 16 from social media platforms, except for 14- and 15-year-olds with parental permission. Now, lawmakers want to allow parents to view messages and are targeting apps like Snapchat.

U.S. District Judge Mark Walker rejected a request by a consortium of technology companies for a preliminary injunction that would have at least further temporarily blocked the state’s ban from taking effect.

Groups representing communications companies are arguing the 2024 measure unconstitutionally limits free speech. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker says he may make a decision within three weeks.

A federal judge in Tallahassee is considering whether to block a new Florida law that bans social media for young teenagers.