Ohio Court Clears Path for Parental Consent Rules on Social Media Use

June 19, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Ohio can enforce a law requiring social media platforms to obtain parental consent before allowing users under 16 to access their services, a US appeals court has ruled.

The 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court decision that had blocked the measure after a challenge from NetChoice, a technology industry trade group representing companies including Meta Platforms’ Instagram.

A two-to-one panel of judges found that the Ohio law does not violate the First Amendment’s free speech protections, allowing the state to move forward with implementing the requirement.

The legislation requires social media companies to receive approval from parents before children younger than 16 can create or maintain accounts on their platforms. The measure is part of a wider push by US states to increase parental oversight of minors’ online activity.

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson welcomed the ruling, saying the decision would give parents greater ability to monitor and participate in their children’s online experiences.

NetChoice criticised the decision, arguing that the law threatens users’ privacy and constitutional rights. The group said it believes the measure will ultimately be overturned as legal challenges continue.

The ruling adds to an ongoing national debate over how governments should regulate social media platforms, particularly regarding children’s access, privacy protections and the balance between online safety and free expression.

Source: FSX Business News