The US state of Virginia said it is appealing a judge’s order blocking its enforcement of social media limitations for young people.
The state said in a Tuesday filing that it would ask the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, to set aside the preliminary injunction granted on 27 February by US district judge Patricia Tolliver Giles in Alexandria.
1-hour limit
The law, signed by the state’s governor last May, took effect on 1 January and obliged social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube to verify users’ ages.
The law limits users under the age of 16 to 1 hour of social media use a day, unless this is waived by a parent.
The law was challenged by an industry group representing social media platforms, who said it limits free speech.
Social media protections
Judge Giles said the challenge was likely to succeed, as the state law infringes on young users’ Constitutionally protected freedom of speech.
The appeals court will similarly rule on whether the challenge by industry group NetChoice is likely to go through.
The injunction blocks Virginia from enforcing the law while the case is in progress.
