The Supreme Court is considering a Texas law to block kids from online porn, but free-speech issues linger
Texas is one of many states trying to tackle this issue. They believe it’s crucial since kids can easily access explicit content on their phones. Chief Justice John Roberts pointed out how much easier it is for kids to find porn these days.
However, the Free Speech Coalition, which represents the adult entertainment industry, argues that the law could put adults at risk. They say it forces people to share personal info online, which could be hacked. Some sites, like Pornhub, have even stopped operating in states with these laws because of the privacy concerns.
While everyone agrees kids shouldn’t see porn, the Coalition worries the law is too broad. It could even affect educational content or movies with simulated sex scenes. They also mention that the law targets porn sites but ignores search engines, suggesting that content filtering might be a better solution.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett raised a good point about how hard it is to keep up with all the ways kids can access the internet. She knows this firsthand, being a mom of seven.
This isn’t the first time the Supreme Court has dealt with this issue. They’ve previously struck down laws that tried to limit kids’ access to explicit material online. Texas argues that technology has come a long way, making it easier to verify ages online, similar to ID checks in stores.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has already allowed the age verification requirement to go into effect, but the Supreme Court is still considering whether the law violates the First Amendment. Some justices are leaning towards sending the case back for more review.
Other states with similar laws include Tennessee, Arkansas, and Utah. The Texas law could impose hefty fines for violations, especially if a minor is involved. The court is expected to make a decision by June.
