A federal judge on Tuesday blocked Florida from enforcing provisions of a 2024 law that restricts minors’ access to social media, ruling that the measure is likely unconstitutional while litigation continues.

The order by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker grants a preliminary injunction sought by the Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, two trade associations representing technology companies including Meta and Google.

The law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, prohibits social media accounts for children under 14 and requires parental consent for those aged 14 and 15. It applies to platforms that meet a set of criteria, including the use of data-driven algorithms, uploading capabilities, and features considered addictive.

Judge Walker found that the restrictions burden minors’ First Amendment rights and are not narrowly tailored to serve the state’s interest in protecting children from potential harms associated with social media use.

Judge Walker also wrote that the law would likely ban minors from accessing widely used platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, even in cases where the platforms could disable the targeted features. The statute also bases its restrictions in part on how long users under 16 spend on the platform, regardless of whether that usage stems from addiction or engagement with protected speech.

“[L]ike other district courts around the country, this Court simply recognizes that the First Amendment places stringent requirements on the State to avoid substantially burdening speech unless the State can show that doing so is necessary to achieve its significant interests,” Judge Walker opined.

The injunction allows a provision of the law to remain in effect requiring platforms to terminate a minor’s account upon request by a parent or guardian. Walker wrote that parents are best positioned to determine whether and under what conditions their children should access social media.

“This ruling vindicates our argument that Florida’s statute violates the First Amendment by blocking and restricting minors—and likely adults as well—from using certain websites to view lawful content,” said CCIA President and CEO Matt Schruers. “We look forward to seeing this statute permanently blocked as a violation of Floridians’ constitutional right to engage in lawful speech online.”