A federal appeals court has cleared the way for Ohio to enforce a law requiring social media companies to obtain parental consent before allowing children under the age of 16 to create or maintain accounts on their platforms.
The ruling came from the Cincinnati-based United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which overturned a lower court decision that had temporarily blocked the measure.
The legislation applies to major social media platforms, including services operated by Meta Platforms such as Instagram.
Under the law, companies must verify parental approval before permitting users younger than 16 to access their services.
Supporters argue that the requirement is necessary to help protect minors from potential harms associated with excessive social media use, including mental health challenges and exposure to harmful content.
The case was brought by NetChoice, a trade group representing technology companies that has challenged similar laws in multiple states.
The decision reflects a broader international trend toward increased regulation of social media access for minors. Governments in several countries, including Australia, have proposed or enacted measures aimed at limiting children's exposure to online risks and requiring greater accountability from technology companies.
Legal experts expect the debate over youth social media regulation to continue as courts across the United States weigh competing arguments involving child safety, parental rights, privacy concerns, and free speech protections. The Ohio ruling could influence similar cases nationwide as lawmakers seek new approaches to addressing the impact of social media on young users.
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— Reuters (@Reuters) June 18, 2026
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