Federal Court Pauses Colorado Social Media Warning Law
A federal judge temporarily blocked a Colorado law that required social media platforms to warn minors about possible mental health risks from spending extended time online. The court found that compeling companies to deliver such warnings likely infringes on the First Amendment.
“Like traditional media, a social media platform is entitled to heightened First Amendment protection where it is engaged in expressive activity.”
Judge William J. Martínez of the U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction, noting that the law likely forces private companies to spread a government-preferred message. The legislation, passed the previous year, would have required pop-up warnings every 30 minutes after a minor spends an hour or more on a platform, or during late-night hours, reminding them of potential effects on developing brains.
The trade association NetChoice, representing companies like Meta, Nextdoor, Pinterest, Snap, YouTube, X, and Reddit, led the lawsuit against the state.
“Today’s decision is a victory for free speech,” said Paul Taske, Co-Director of the NetChoice Litigation Center. “Colorado is free to shout its own views from the rooftops, and it can even post its view on social media through Colorado’s accounts.”
Author’s Summary
The federal court’s injunction halts Colorado’s warning mandate for social media platforms, emphasizing that forced messaging infringes upon free speech rights.