Key facts
- A U.S. appeals court allowed Ohio to enforce a law requiring parental consent for children under 16 to use social media.
- The appeals court decision overturned a previous block on the Ohio law.
- Meta Platforms is lobbying U.S. Congress for legal immunity from child-harm lawsuits.
- Meta's lobbying efforts are reportedly part of negotiations over the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).
- The Ohio law restricts social media use for minors under 16 without parental consent.
A U.S. appeals court has permitted Ohio to enforce a law that mandates parental consent for individuals under the age of 16 to access social media platforms. This decision overturns a previous judicial block on the legislation. The ruling allows Ohio to implement its restrictions on children's social media usage.
In parallel, Meta Platforms is actively engaging with U.S. Congress to secure legal protections against lawsuits alleging harm to children through its social media products. This push for immunity is understood to be part of broader discussions concerning the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). The negotiations aim to address concerns about child safety online while potentially shielding tech companies from certain legal liabilities.
The Ohio law's reinstatement signifies a step towards greater state-level regulation of social media access for minors. Meanwhile, Meta's lobbying efforts highlight the ongoing tension between platform accountability and the desire for legal protection within the tech industry. The outcome of these legislative and legal maneuvers could significantly shape the future of social media regulation and child online safety.