The Tesla Model 3 electric car is currently under scrutiny from federal regulators in Australia for a potential violation of motor-vehicle regulations. The investigation stems from the removal of access to a child-seat anchor point, a crucial element for obtaining approval for road use, by the manufacturer.
NetChoice, an internet trade association, filed a lawsuit against Ohio on Friday, aiming to prevent social media regulations, specifically the Social Media Parental Notification Act, from being enacted into law. The association, whose members include major tech players like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, claims the act is overly broad and infringes upon constitutional amendments.
The Social Media Parental Notification Act, integrated into the state budget in the summer, mandates that social media and gaming platforms secure parental consent for users under 16 from Ohio. Originally set to take effect on January 15, the law’s implementation is now uncertain due to the legal challenge.
In response to the lawsuit, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted criticized NetChoice’s move, calling it “cowardly.” Husted asserted that the companies affiliated with NetChoice aim to circumvent parental control, potentially exposing children to harmful content and fostering addiction through their platforms. Governor Mike DeWine, Husted, and other Ohio legislative leaders had advocated for the law, emphasizing its role in safeguarding children’s mental health.
NetChoice countered by asserting that its members already have measures in place to protect users, contending that parents should retain the authority to decide whether a platform is suitable for their children.
An initial hearing on the case, scheduled for Monday, had to be rescheduled after the assigned judge recused herself. As of Monday morning, a new date for the hearing with the newly assigned judge had not been set.
It’s worth noting that NetChoice has secured preliminary injunctions in Arkansas and California over similar provisions, further signaling the contentious nature of these regulatory measures.
