New lawsuit challenges Ohio’s upcoming social media law
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — A trade association has filed a lawsuit against Ohio’s new social media law, claiming that it violates constitutional rights, compromises data privacy, and usurps parental authority. The suit, NetChoice V. Yost, challenges the Parental Notification by Social Media Operators Act, which is scheduled to take effect on January 15.
NetChoice argues that the law is overly broad, unclear, and infringes upon the First Amendment. Additionally, the association highlights the requirement for Ohioans to provide personal documents, such as driver’s licenses, to tech companies for document verification purposes. NetChoice expresses concern that this provision would expose adults and children to cyber-criminals and predators, making them more vulnerable.
The association asserts that parents should have the power to make decisions about their families’ internet usage, rather than relying on lawmakers. NetChoice believes that the law’s aim to protect minors could be achieved through empowering parents to guide their children’s online presence.
Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted responded to the lawsuit, referring to it as cowardly, but not unexpected. He defended the law, stating that it simply requires parental consent for children under 16 to join social media and other online platforms. Husted argues that by filing this lawsuit, tech companies are attempting to bypass parents, exposing children to harmful content and addicting them to their platforms. He further claims that excessive time spent on social media leads to detrimental effects on children’s health and mental well-being.
The Social Media Parental Notification Act was championed by Husted and signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine as part of the 2023-24 executive budget.
To halt the act from being implemented as the legal proceedings unfold, NetChoice is seeking an injunction from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
For more information on the lawsuit and the attorneys representing the case, please visit NetChoice.org.
In a world where social media plays an increasingly influential role, this lawsuit raises important questions about the balance between protecting minors and preserving individual rights. As the legal battle commences, the implications for Ohio’s digital landscape hang in the balance, while the broader conversation surrounding internet safety and parental authority resonates globally.
