Two States Can Now Restrict Social Media Access—Here’s What To Do Next

Last week, two federal appeals courts issued opinions that will allow Florida and Georgia to start enforcing laws that will age-gate and block young people from accessing social media. The laws do not adequately respect minors’ rights to play, speak, and learn online. More fundamentally, these laws don’t help young people stay safe online—a goal that lawmakers should pursue. Age-Gated? Email EFF at agegates@eff.org. Because of the new laws, some young people will lose their ability to access lawful information, find their online communities, and even engage with school board members. Others will need parental permission to stay online. And adults will face increased demands to prove their age, which will put their privacy at increased risk simply to continue to use the services they already use. We opposed these laws because they threaten the free expression and privacy of both minors and adults. Even though these lawsuits are not over, the injunctions that paused enforcement have been