Sixth Circuit Lifts Block on Ohio Parental Consent Social Media Law in 2-1 Ruling

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday ordered restoration of Ohio's Social Media Parental Notification Act in a 2-1 ruling. The Cincinnati-based panel found the law constitutional and directed the lower court to lift its enforcement block. 1 billion state budget bill signed by Governor Mike DeWine, requires social media and gaming companies to obtain parental permission for minors under 16 and to disclose privacy guidelines.

NetChoice, the trade group representing TikTok, Snapchat, and Meta, filed suit in 2024 arguing the measure was overly broad, vague, and an unconstitutional restriction on free speech. " Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson welcomed the decision. "The court agreed that parents—not social media companies—should get a say in what kids see online," he said.

"We have an obligation to keep our children safe, and today, the most dangerous place for our kids is the internet. " NetChoice called the ruling contrary to a "clear national consensus" and said it would continue litigation. " The group has previously prevailed against similar statutes in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Georgia.

Then-Lt. Gov. Jon Husted had championed the Ohio measure as necessary to address what he described as intentionally addictive platforms harmful to young users' mental health.