A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked a new Arkansas law that would have expanded parents’ ability to sue social media companies, ruling that key provisions are likely unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks granted a preliminary injunction against Act 901 of 2025 after a lawsuit filed by NetChoice, a tech industry trade group. The law allows parents to sue social media platforms if content on their sites is linked to a child developing an eating disorder, attempting or committing suicide, or becoming addicted to a platform’s feeds.
NetChoice argued the law violates the First Amendment and conflicts with the federal Communications Decency Act, which protects online platforms from liability for user-created content. Brooks agreed that restrictions in Act 901 targeting “addictive” algorithms are likely unconstitutional.
NetChoice called the ruling a win for free speech and said it expects the law to be permanently struck down. Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office said the state is disappointed and will continue to defend the law.
The ruling marks the second year in a row that Arkansas social media restrictions challenged by NetChoice have been blocked by a federal judge.
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