Federal judge blocks Florida from enforcing social media ban for kids
A federal judge has barred state officials from enforcing a Florida law that would ban social media accounts for young children, while a legal challenge against the law plays out. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued the order Tuesday, blocking portions of the law from taking effect.
The measure was one of the most restrictive bans in the U.S. on social media use by children when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law in 2024. The law would ban social media accounts for children under 14 and require parental permission for their use by 14- and 15-year-olds.
In his order granting the preliminary injunction sought by the groups Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, Walker wrote that the law is "likely unconstitutional," but acknowledged that parents and lawmakers have "sincere concerns" about social media's effects on kids.
Walker wrote that the prohibition on social media platforms from allowing certain age groups to create accounts "directly burdens those youths' rights to engage in and access speech."
While siding with the industry groups' claims that the law limits free speech, Walker allowed a provision to go into effect requiring platforms to shut down accounts for children under 16, if their parent or guardian requests it.
Parents - and even some teens themselves - are growing increasingly concerned about the effects of social media use on young people. Supporters of the Florida law have said it's needed to help curb the explosive use of social media among young people, and what researchers say is an associated increase in depression and anxiety.
Matt Schruers, the president and CEO of the industry association CCIA, praised the judge's order blocking the law.
"This ruling vindicates our argument that Florida's statute violates the First Amendment by blocking and restricting minors - and likely adults as well - from using certain websites to view lawful content," he said in a statement. "We look forward to seeing this statute permanently blocked as a violation of Floridians' constitutional right to engage in lawful speech online."
A spokesperson for Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier defended the law and the state's efforts to insulate kids from social media at a time when platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat seem almost impossible to escape.
"Florida parents voted through their elected representatives for a law protecting kids from the harmful and sometimes lifelong tragic impacts of social media. These platforms do not have a constitutional right to addict kids to their products," Uthmeier's press secretary Jae Williams said in a statement. "We disagree with the court's order and will immediately seek relief in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNET
26 minutes ago
- CNET
Heat Got You Dragging? These Simple Tricks Fight Fatigue Fast
If you've ever felt totally drained on a hot summer day, even without doing much, you're not imagining it. High temperatures can wear your body down fast, causing heat fatigue that leaves you sluggish, sweaty, and struggling to focus. It's more than just discomfort-it's your body trying to keep up with rising internal temperatures. The good news is there are simple, science-backed ways to fight back. From staying properly hydrated to making small adjustments to your daily routine, you can reduce the effects of heat and feel more energized, even during the hottest stretch of summer. If you're spending time outside or just trying to make it through the afternoon without crashing, here are five easy ways to stay cool and avoid heat fatigue. Why does warm weather make you tired? When it's hot, the body has to work harder to maintain homeostasis (a balance between all your body's systems to keep things functioning properly). So even if you aren't getting physical, just being in the heat is enough to tire you out, because your body is working overtime to keep you cool. Your heart rate rises, and your body burns calories at a higher rate. The body's thermoregulatory methods present in two ways. Vasodilation, or the widening of the blood vessels, lets more blood get to the surface of your body, which helps regulate internal temperature. Sweating is the other bodily response to being hot -- your system moves core body fluid to the outside. These processes require energy and effort. 5 ways to overcome feeling tired in the heat These simple strategies can help you fight off fatigue and enjoy the warmer weather. 1. Stay hydrated According to the National Library of Medicine, up to 28% of older adults in the US have suffered from dehydration. Dehydration is more than just being thirsty. The body needs water to function. There's a danger of being dehydrated in the heat, because your body can't cool you off, leading to heatstroke. The more you sweat, the more you deplete your fluid reservoir. Dehydration symptoms can be subtle, especially if you're chronically dehydrated and get used to the dry lips, tiredness and headache associated with dehydration. Staying hydrated is one of the essential ways to beat fatigue in the heat. You have to replace the water you sweat out. When you know you'll be outside, it's a good idea to increase your water intake to prepare your body for what it'll lose through sweat. Water is the best liquid source to combat dehydration. However, sports drinks can replace the salt lost in sweat, making them another good option. Avoid drinking alcohol while in the heat, as it's a diuretic that worsens dehydration. Getty Images 2. Protect yourself from the sun Moderating your time in the sun helps you beat fatigue in two ways. First, sitting in the shade or going inside can keep your body from overheating, which saves energy. Secondly, it protects your skin from UV rays. Sun damage to the skin can also contribute to fatigue because your body expends energy to repair the skin. You should always wear sunscreen when outside. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using SPF 30 or higher and reapplying every two hours. Even if you apply sunscreen, sitting under umbrellas and wearing loose clothes and hats that block the sun is recommended. Read more: Best Sunscreen to Protect Your Skin This Summer 3. Add B vitamins to your diet B vitamins are essential nutrients that aid in bodily functions, like moving oxygen through the body and breaking down amino acids. They're also central to energy because they help in cell metabolism. B vitamins become even more important during the hot months, when your energy levels are drained quicker. These B vitamins are central to energy: Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, folate and B12. Adding vitamin-rich foods to your diet is an easy way to naturally boost your energy. Great food sources of B vitamins include leafy greens, brussels sprouts, eggs, avocados and whole grains. You can also add a multivitamin to supplement your diet and get all your B vitamins. 4. Pack snacks Snacks are your secret weapon in the heat. They can help you boost your energy and replace the electrolytes and salt your body is losing in the heat. I know what you're thinking: When it's hot, sometimes the last thing you want is to eat anything. It's best to keep your snack small and nutritious. Fruit and veggies are full of electrolytes, and nuts and trail mixes are great for replacing salt. 5. Check in with yourself One of the most effective ways to combat fatigue during the warmer months is by doing multiple check-ins on your health throughout the day. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can creep up on you. You can assess your needs and respond accordingly by listening to your body. If you start feeling dizzy or lightheaded, get somewhere cool immediately and drink some water. Putting an ice cube on your wrists is also an effective way to cool down, since the blood vessels are closer to the surface of the wrist. Getty Images When does fatigue become something more serious? In most instances, being in the heat is just uncomfortable and leaves you feeling worn out. However, there are times when you may approach a heat-related illness -- heat exhaustion or heatstroke. The main difference between the two is how your nervous system reacts. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person may become confused or have slurred speech during heatstroke. Read more: Heatstroke Symptoms: What You Need to Know as Record Heat Waves Approach Symptoms of heat exhaustion are generally the precursor to heatstroke. They include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness or passing out. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must immediately try to cool off so you don't pass into heatstroke territory. You should be able to enjoy your spring and summer months without feeling drained. And you can. All it takes is a few intentional practices to prepare your body. For more from wellness, check out all the reasons that you're oversleeping and easy productivity hacks to get more done.
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Starmer warns of ‘risk of escalation' following US strikes against Iran
Sir Keir Starmer warned there was a risk of the Middle East crisis spiralling beyond the region after Donald Trump ordered US planes and submarines to attack Iran's nuclear programme. The Prime Minister urged all sides to return to negotiations but said he had taken 'all necessary measures' to protect British interests in the region if the conflict escalates. There was no British involvement in the action but the Government was informed before the US strikes. Tehran has threatened to retaliate and Mr Trump has warned of further US action if necessary, saying: 'There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran.' Speaking at his Chequers country retreat, the Prime Minister said there was a 'risk of escalation' adding: 'That's a risk to the region. It's a risk beyond the region, and that's why all our focus has been on de-escalating, getting people back around to negotiate what is a very real threat in relation to the nuclear programme. 'In relation to the UK, we were not involved in the attack. We were given due notice, as we would expect, as close allies to the US, and we have been moving assets to the region to make sure we're in a position to protect our own interests, our personnel and our assets, and, of course, those of our allies.'
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy came clean about AI's impact on white-collar jobs. That might be a good thing.
This post originally appeared in the BI Today newsletter. You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here. Welcome back to our Sunday edition, where we round up some of our top stories and take you inside our newsroom. The world took a turn last night. President Donald Trump said US warplanes executed airstrikes that "completely and totally obliterated" Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities. Trump also warned additional attacks against Iran could follow if "peace does not come quickly." Business Insider jumped into action, with warfare pro Jake Epstein joining with Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert to give you a definitive roundup of the news. We've since gathered business leaders' reactions and will keep adding as they come. We're working on more for you, including a deep look at the "bunker-buster bombs" that the US reportedly dropped. The Pentagon is set to hold a press conference on Sunday at 8 a.m. ET. We'll keep you posted on all things related to business as well as warfare strategy. On the agenda today: Gen X is already living millennials' real-estate nightmare. Two status symbol credit cards are getting upgrades this year. BI visited three Target stores across the US to understand why it's struggling. Steve Schwarzman has a message for Blackstone's newest intern class. But first: Rip the Band-Aid off. If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Business Insider's app here. One way to think about Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's AI warning: It's better to hear it sooner than later. In a note to staffers last week that rocked the corporate world, Jassy said AI "should change the way our work is done," and he expects the technology will eventually lead to fewer white-collar jobs at Amazon. He isn't the first CEO to warn about AI's impact on jobs, but he is the most high-profile leader to do so. (Amazon, with about 1.5 million workers, is the second-largest private employer in the US.) As my BI colleague Tim Paradis reported, there's an upside to hearing Jassy's forthrightness about AI. "If I were an employee, I would be very frustrated with my leader saying, 'No, we're still not sure if this is going to have an impact,'" Christopher Myers, the faculty director of the Center for Innovative Leadership at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, told Paradis. He said it's better for executives to acknowledge that AI "almost certainly" will change roles and perhaps impact entire org charts. Jassy joins a list of CEOs who have recently offered AI warnings, including companies tied to the tech's success like OpenAI's Sam Altman, Anthropic's Dario Amodei, and Nvidia's Jensen Huang. To be sure, a former Amazon developer told BI that Jassy's memo didn't surprise him. He doesn't think engineers should worry about their jobs, as he thought the memo was more about showing shareholders that Amazon was serious about the technology. Overall, workers have mixed feelings about these AI warnings. Elaine Ryan, a psychologist with two decades of experience, told BI that she thinks people who have anxiety over AI feel disoriented by the sheer scale of the technology. They don't just worry about losing their jobs but also about losing relevance or their sense of identity. Amid the warnings and anxiety, there is plenty of advice about what workers can do in the current environment. Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn has said it's important to respond to AI with curiosity, not fear. "The sooner we learn how to use it and use it responsibly, the better off we will be in the long run," he said. Jassy said Amazon employees who show a willingness to embrace AI "will be well-positioned to have high impact and help us reinvent the company." And Ryan, the psychologist, said that while AI might be new, the way we respond to the uncertainty surrounding it isn't. "The goal isn't to compete with the machine. It's to reclaim the human part— the experience, the depth, the emotional intelligence — that still matters more than we think," she said. Many Gen Xers are in a financial bind. They're managing the real-estate assets of their aging parents while also helping pay rent for their adult children — two cohorts that, for different reasons, can't quite support themselves on their own. That pressure has left some Gen Xers emotionally exhausted and wondering if they'll even be able to afford retirement. Still, they're not giving up. New perks and updates are coming to two of the most popular credit cards. American Express said updates are coming to its Platinum Card later this year. JPMorgan Chase also announced a revamp to its Sapphire Reserve Card. Cardholders will see new spending perks in categories like travel, dining, and lifestyle. But it's getting a price hike. Here's what $795 a year will get you. In recent years, Target has fallen behind. The retailer has struggled to grow its sales as competitors Costco and Walmart have posted strong gains. Analysts and some customers on social media say the general state of Target's stores is a key issue. BI visited three Target locations across the US — Madison, Wisconsin, Ventura, California, and Washington, DC — to find out why the retailer is struggling. Each store offered a different experience. Here's what BI saw. Also read: Wait, is Walmart cool again? Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman greeted the firm's 170 summer interns with some choice advice: If you want to succeed in private equity, learn to go with the flow. It's an industry where "nothing ever stays the same," Schwarzman said, according to a Blackstone spokesperson. "So if you have a mind and a curiosity that fits with that kind of world — constant new things, new learning — then you've come to the right place." Change is the constant. Also read: Goldman's coffee culture decoded: A guide for interns This week's quote: "The index is going nowhere." — Billionaire investor Leon Cooperman gave BI his outlook on the stock market. More of this week's top reads: AI and sports were hot topics at the ad industry's Cannes Lions bash. Just don't mention "brand safety." Ambitious Gen Zers are struggling to get jobs despite having college degrees. The Big Stay is finally paying off: Quitting to job-switch is worse for wage growth than sticking it out. Private equity took Jamie Dimon's warnings to heart. Here's why. Job search going nowhere? Try this. Will AI kill TV or make it smarter? Media execs share five key ways the industry is transforming. The 25 most innovative CMOs of 2025. An ex-Harvard professor says his AI could prevent the next world war. Critics say it could start one. "Copilot" this, "Copilot" that. A watchdog wants Microsoft to change its confusing AI advertising. Get ready for WhatsApp ads. Meta's Scale AI deal has clients like Google and OpenAI halting projects. The BI Today team: Steve Russolillo, chief news editor, in New York. Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Akin Oyedele, deputy editor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Read the original article on Business Insider Sign in to access your portfolio
