The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing a Texas law that mandates age verification for users accessing adult content online, a move aimed at preventing minors from viewing pornography. During the hearing, justices expressed concern about the impact this law could have on free speech for adults and the potential risks to privacy, such as identity theft and data breaches.
The case stems from a lower court’s decision allowing the Texas law to take effect. The law requires websites offering sexual content harmful to minors to verify that users are over 18 years old. The adult entertainment industry has challenged this law, arguing that it infringes on First Amendment rights and creates unnecessary burdens for adults trying to access constitutionally protected material.
While the justices seemed to agree that preventing minors from accessing online pornography is a valid goal, they debated whether the law should be subject to a stricter judicial review. The Free Speech Coalition, which represents adult content creators and platforms, has argued that content-filtering measures or other alternatives would better protect children without infringing on the rights of adults.
The law is part of a broader national trend, with similar laws in place in several Republican-led states. Texas claims the law is necessary due to the easy access children have to harmful online content via smartphones and other devices. However, critics warn that such laws could set a dangerous precedent for restricting online speech.
The justices also raised concerns about the practical challenges of verifying age for users and the potential for overburdening adults with excessive requirements. A decision is expected by the end of June, which could have far-reaching implications for both online privacy and free speech.
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High Court Considers Constitutionality Of Texas’ Age Verification Law For Porn Sites
Supreme Court to Review Texas Law Restricting Internet Pornography Access