NetChoice Sues Georgia Over Kids’ Social Media Safety Bill

SB-351 requires age verification for specific websites and platforms, and minors would have to gain parental consent to create accounts on covered sites.

The trade association mentions these requirements in its complaint, as well as restrictions on advertisements for minors, claiming the law burdens access to protected speech and requires sensitive information to be turned over to access digital services.

“NetChoice is suing because Georgians deserve meaningful solutions that actually protect families online -- not unconstitutional restrictions that create cybersecurity risks, undermine parental authority and infringe free-speech rights,” said Paul Taske, associate director of litigation for NetChoice, in a press release. “Georgia’s SB-351 unconstitutionally blocks access to protected online speech and forces Georgians to surrender their private information just to use everyday digital services. That’s unconstitutional, as several other states have now been told by courts.”

NetChoice has sued states with similar laws, including Ohio (see 2504160049) and Arkansas (see 2504010044). District courts have agreed the measures violate the First Amendment and blocked the laws. The Arkansas AG has appealed the decision (see 2504300051).

In an emailed statement to Privacy Daily, Georgia Attorney General Christopher Carr (R) said, “It’s a shame that the industry would rather file a lawsuit than partner with us to protect children from online predators.”