February 9, 2026 | Criminal Defense
Ohio passed the Social Media Parental Notification Act a few years back, a law that was designed to give parents more control over their children’s social media use. The statute primarily required platforms to verify a user’s age and obtain parental permission before anyone under 16 could create an account.
However, a federal judge blocked the law permanently in 2025, ruling that it was likely unconstitutional. As a result, the law never ended up taking effect, and it is not currently being enforced anywhere in the state. Continue reading this blog post to learn more about what this law was and what its status is at the moment.
What Would the Law Have Done?
If the Act had actually gone into effect, it would have forced social media companies to confirm a user’s age and require parental consent before creating accounts for children under 16 years of age. The law gave the Ohio Attorney General authority to fine companies that failed to follow these rules.
The intended idea behind the legislation was to help parents protect their kids from harmful online content and social media addiction. Nonetheless, opponents argued that it created insurmountable privacy and free speech issues.
Why Didn’t the Law Take Effect?
Various organizations sued the state not long after the law was passed, claiming that it violated the First Amendment by limiting minors’ access to information online.
In 2025, a federal judge agreed with them and issued a permanent injunction that prevented the state from enforcing the law. The judge ruled that the law was too broad as it was written and that it might unfairly restrict speech.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has since appealed that decision. However, until that appeal is resolved, the law remains blocked.
What Does This Mean for Parents and Teens?
Since the law was struck down, there are no new state-level rules regarding how minors in Ohio use social media. Teenagers under 16 years of age can still create accounts under the same platform rules that apply across the country.
Parents still have tools to monitor their child’s online activity through the apps themselves. For instance, most platforms already offer parental controls and account management features that can be used voluntarily.
If the courts ever allow a version of the law to move forward, social media companies would need to create stronger age-verification systems. Until then, however, essentially nothing changes for users.
How Legal Issues Could Arise Down the Line
The blocked law was technically a civil one, but related legal issues for criminal defendants could still come up. For example, violating existing privacy statutes like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) could lead to criminal penalties in some circumstances.
Facing accusations in this area of the law can bring immense stress and uncertainty, as there is a lot at stake for your future freedom. A criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights and navigate the privacy laws that may apply to your case.
Contact the Cincinnati Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers for Help Today
Although Ohio’s Social Media Parental Notification Act is currently blocked, debates around online privacy, age verification, and minors’ access to digital platforms are far from over. Laws in this area continue to evolve, and future legislation could create new legal risks or obligations for individuals and businesses alike.
If you are facing allegations involving online conduct, privacy rules, or related criminal matters, it is important to understand how existing laws apply to your situation. The Cincinnati criminal defense lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers are available to explain your rights and help you navigate these complex legal issues. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
Give us a call today at (513) 333-0014 or visit us at our Cincinnati Law Office.
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