Federal Judge blocks Virginia law limiting kids social media time

A federal judge blocked Virginia from enforcing a new law that sought to limit how much time kids can spend on social media. A U.S. District Judge based in Alexandria, Virginia, issued an injunction against the law, ruling in favor of technology trade group NetChoice that the legislation unconstitutionally infringed the free speech rights of adults, children, and NetChoice’s members which includes Google, Meta Platforms, Netflix, Reddit, and X. Under the new law that began on January 1, social media users under the age of 16 in Virginia were limited to just an hour per day on social media platforms unless a parent or guardian gives verifiable consent for more screen time. The judge said that the state cannot infringe on the first amendment rights including underage youth. Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones argued that the restrictions would “protect children from addictive features” on social media platforms.