Court Blocks California Law on Children’s Online Safety

In a significant ruling affecting online privacy and child safety, a federal judge has blocked a California law aimed at enhancing the protection of children's data online. The law, known as the California Age-Appropriate Design Code, was set to take effect on July 1, 2024, but has been put on hold until a final decision is reached in the lawsuit filed by NetChoice, a tech industry group.

The legislation sought to enforce stricter standards on online platforms, requiring them to consider the best interests of child users in the design of their services. It mandated companies to estimate the age of users or apply the highest privacy settings by default for children. However, opponents argued that the law infringed on free speech and posed challenges in implementation, particularly with regard to age verification.

Judge Beth Labson Freeman of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a preliminary injunction, citing concerns over the law's constitutionality and its potential to burden free speech. The ruling marks a victory for tech companies and raises questions about the balance between safeguarding children's online experiences and preserving the rights of internet users.

The decision has sparked a broader debate on how best to protect young internet users without stifling innovation or infringing on privacy rights. As the case progresses, it will continue to be a focal point for discussions on digital rights, child safety, and the role of government regulation in the tech industry.

• Beth Labson Freeman
• California
• California Age-Appropriate Design Code
• NetChoice

Detailed

Court blocks California law on children's online safety

3 weeks ago

- reuters