Judge blocks Georgia’s social media age verification law, citing free speech concerns
June 26, 2025
A federal judge is blocking Georgia’s law requiring age verification for social media accounts. Thursday’s ruling stops the law from taking effect next week as planned, saying it infringes on free speech rights. The law was passed in 2024 and would require social media companies to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for children under 16. A trade group challenged the measure, calling the restrictions unconstitutional. Similar laws have been blocked in eight other states. The federal judge in Thursday’s ruling acknowledges concerns about the potential harm of social media on youth. But she says they don’t justify violating First Amendment protections. The state plans to appeal the ruling.
