Politics

A federal judge has blocked a new Texas law aimed at shielding minors from inappropriate online content from taking effect as scheduled on Jan. 1, ruling that it likely violates First Amendment free speech rights.

U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman said in a 20-page ruling that the Computer & Communications Industry Association, which filed a lawsuit against the legislation enacted this year, is likely to succeed at trial. But Pitman also made clear that the intent of the legislation, Senate Bill 2420, was sound.

"(T)he Court recognizes the broad support for protecting children when they use apps," Pitman wrote. "But the means to achieve that end must be consistent with the First Amendment."

Under SB 2024, app stores would be required to verify users' age before they can create an account. It also says that minors' account must be affiliated with a parent’s account and that a parent must consent before a minor can download or make purchases through the use of an app.