SCOTUS lets Texas enforce app store law that Big Tech calls "censorship regime"
The Supreme Court yesterday decided not to intervene in challenges to a Texas app store law, allowing the state to enforce age-verification rules while a lawsuit continues. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Texas App Store Accountability Act in December 2025, finding that it likely violates the First Amendment. US District Judge Robert Pitman's ruling prevented Texas from enforcing the law when it was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. But the US Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit stayed the injunction on June 4, deciding that there is "no legitimate justification for enjoining enforcement of the entire Act." A lobby group representing Big Tech companies and an advocacy group for students then asked the Supreme Court to reinstate the injunction. Read full article Comments
The Supreme Court yesterday decided not to intervene in challenges to a Texas app store law, allowing the state to enforce age-verification rules while a lawsuit continues.
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Texas App Store Accountability Act in December 2025, finding that it likely violates the First Amendment. US District Judge Robert Pitman's ruling prevented Texas from enforcing the law when it was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Texas win at 5th Circuit left in place as attempts to overturn age law continue.
The Supreme Court denied both requests in a pair of one-sentence orders issued yesterday. “The application to vacate stay presented to Justice [Samuel] Alito and by him referred to the Court is denied,” the court said.
Yesterday’s denial means Pitman’s injunction cannot be enforced while litigation between Texas and groups challenging the law proceeds in the 5th Circuit appeals court, which has scheduled oral arguments for August 4. Although the sides will have a chance to argue for and against the law, the 5th Circuit’s June 4 ruling indicates that Texas has an advantage.
