"Unconstitutional": Federal judge blocks Arkansas social media safety law

• A US Judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking Arkansas Act 901
• The law aimed to penalize social media for features causing harm to minors
• NetChoice successfully argued that the law infringes on protected speech

A US federal judge has temporarily blocked a new Arkansas law intended to hold social media companies liable for harmful effects on users, ruling that the legislation is "likely unconstitutional."

On Monday, US District Judge Timothy L. Brooks granted a preliminary injunction against the Arkansas Act 901, according to local reports. The ruling prevents Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin from enforcing provisions that would have penalized platforms for using designs or algorithms that lead to addiction, drug use, or self-harm.

This legal battle in Fayetteville is the latest flashpoint as US states attempt to regulate online spaces. While similar legislative pushes regarding strict age verification measures have prompted some privacy-conscious ...