A federal district court judge in Texas has largely blocked a new Texas social media law from being enforced while the Computer & Communications Industry Association’s (CCIA) First Amendment challenge proceeds through the legal system.

The CCIA and co-Plaintiff NetChoice filed a complaint and motion for a preliminary injunction against Texas HB18 on July 30. They argued that the law's requirement to monitor and filter internet content raises First Amendment concerns and conflicts with federal law. The law, which was set to take effect on September 1, 2024, would have required companies to block access to lawful content for younger users and collect additional personal information on all internet users.

"The court has recognized that this Texas law restricts protected speech in a way that likely violates the First Amendment and that it deserves the most stringent constitutional scrutiny," said Stephanie Joyce, CCIA Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff. "This ruling will ensure that internet users can continue accessing information and content online while we further prove that this law is unlawful and unconstitutional."