Democracy Dies in Darkness

Judge blocks California law meant to increase online safety for kids

The California Age-Appropriate Design Code probably violates the First Amendment, the judge wrote

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September 18, 2023 at 5:21 p.m. EDT
California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D), shown on Aug. 28 in Los Angeles, has defended the California Age-Appropriate Design Code in court. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)
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A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked an online child protection law in California and said it probably violates the Constitution.

Under the law, known as the California Age-Appropriate Design Code, digital platforms would have to vet their products before public release to see whether those offerings could harm kids and teens. The law also requires platforms to enable stronger data privacy protections by default for younger users.