The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) is set to argue in court against parts of Florida's HB3, a law aimed at restricting social media usage among young people. The hearing is scheduled for Friday, with the lawsuit originally filed in October 2024. The CCIA contends that HB3 imposes unconstitutional limitations on free speech.
Together with co-plaintiff NetChoice, the CCIA argues that the statute infringes upon First Amendment rights by potentially preventing both minors and adults from accessing lawful content online. Their motion for a preliminary injunction claims that Florida has not met the necessary legal standards to justify such restrictions.
Stephanie Joyce, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff at CCIA, who also serves as Director of the organization's Litigation Center, will be present in Tallahassee for the oral argument. She stated: "CCIA has forcefully demonstrated that this social media law infringes the First Amendment rights of both minors and adults by creating significant barriers to accessing online information that every American, including minors, has a right to see. This ‘internet rationing’ law blocks access to lawful content and is another example of the state’s unlawful attempt to police free speech."
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how states regulate internet access and content availability under constitutional protections.
