A federal judge in California has blocked a state law requiring online platforms to take extra measures to protect children, ruling it imposes unconstitutional burdens on tech companies.

The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022, aimed to prevent harm to young users by mandating businesses to assess risks, adjust privacy settings, and estimate users' ages. Companies faced fines of up to$7,500 per child for intentional violations.

Judge Beth Freeman ruled that the law was too broad and infringed on free speech, siding with NetChoice, a group representing major tech firms, including Amazon, Google, Meta, and Netflix.

NetChoice argued the legislation effectively forced companies to act as government censors under the pretext of protecting privacy.

The ruling marks a victory for the tech industry, which has repeatedly challenged state-level regulations on content moderation and user protections.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed disappointment in the decision and pledged to continue defending the law. The legal battle is expected to continue, as a federal appeals court had previously ordered a reassessment of the injunction.

The case highlights the ongoing conflict between government efforts to regulate online spaces and tech companies' claims of constitutional overreach.