NetChoice Challenges Virginia’s One-Hour Social Media Limit for Minors

The tech industry trade group NetChoice has filed a lawsuit against Virginia to block a controversial law that would restrict teens under 16 to just one hour of social media per day[1]. The lawsuit, filed on November 17, 2025 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, argues that Senate Bill 854 (SB 854) violates First Amendment rights and poses significant cybersecurity risks[3].

What Virginia’s Law Requires

SB 854, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, mandates that social media platforms implement age verification systems and enforce a one-hour daily time limit on users under 16[1]. The law allows parents to increase the limit but sets one hour as the default. The legislation requires users to submit sensitive personal documentation to verify their age and guardianship status[3].

NetChoice’s Legal Arguments

NetChoice, which represents major tech companies including Google, Meta, and Snap, contends that the government cannot regulate how long citizens access lawful speech[3]. The organization argues in its complaint that the time restriction is equivalent to limiting how long people can read books or watch documentaries—activities the government clearly cannot regulate[1].

The group further emphasizes that parents already possess tools to monitor and limit their children’s online usage, making state intervention unnecessary[1]. “Virginia may wish that more Virginians shared its own views about whether and how much minors should use social media platforms,” NetChoice writes, “but the state cannot begin to show that its age verification and time limit restrictions are necessary to advance any legitimate interest.”

Cybersecurity and Privacy Concerns

Beyond constitutional arguments, NetChoice highlights serious security risks inherent in the law’s age verification requirements[3]. Requiring citizens to submit sensitive personal documents creates a “honeypot” for cybercriminals and online predators to exploit, the organization warns[3].

Timeline and Outlook

The law was passed earlier this year by Governor Glenn Youngkin[4]. NetChoice expressed confidence that the law will be struck down before it takes effect on January 1, 2026, potentially halting implementation while the case proceeds through the legal system[3].

This lawsuit represents the latest flashpoint in ongoing debates over balancing youth protection with free speech rights and parental authority in the digital age.

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