A federal judge has temporarily blocked parts of a new Texas law that was designed to crack down on minors’ use of social media. The law, which was set to go into effect on December 2nd, would have required social media companies to remove content posted by users under the age of 18 if requested by a parent or legal guardian.
The judge’s ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by tech companies including Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat, who argued that the law violated the First Amendment rights of minors. The companies also raised concerns about the law’s impact on their ability to moderate content and comply with federal laws that protect online free speech.
In his ruling, the judge blocked enforcement of the law’s provisions related to content removal and reporting requirements for social media companies. However, other parts of the law, including provisions that require platforms to provide information about users who engage in deceptive activities or create fake accounts, were allowed to remain in effect.
The decision is a setback for Texas lawmakers, who have been working to address concerns about cyberbullying and the online safety of minors. Supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to prevent harmful content from spreading on social media platforms and hold tech companies accountable for protecting young users.
The ruling is a significant development in the ongoing debate about how to regulate social media and protect minors online. It remains to be seen how the case will ultimately be resolved, but for now, parts of the new Texas law will not be enforced as planned.
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