June 3 (UPI) -- A federal judge in Florida on Tuesday temporarily blocked a state ban on social media for children, calling it "likely unconstitutional."
Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a 58-page order, reversing part of the 2024 state law, which prohibits anyone under the age of 16 from using certain social media platforms, with the exception of 14- and 15-year-olds who have parental permission.
"Although this court today finds that Florida's challenged law is likely unconstitutional, it does not doubt that parents and legislators in the state have sincere concerns about the effects that social media use may have on youth, nor does it render parents or the state powerless to address those concerns," Walker wrote.
House Bill 3, also called "Online Protections for Minors," received bipartisan support when it passed last year. The bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, requires social media sites to delete accounts for anyone under the age of 14 or face hefty fines.
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