Summary
The U.S. Supreme Court decided not to stop a Mississippi law that asks social media users to prove their age and requires minors to get their parents' permission. Internet company group NetChoice had attempted to block the law, claiming it violates free speech rights. The Supreme Court's decision allows the law to proceed while further legal challenges continue in lower courts.
Key Facts
- The U.S. Supreme Court did not pause a Mississippi law about social media age verification and parental consent for minors.
- NetChoice, representing tech companies like Meta and Alphabet, challenged the law, saying it violates free speech under the U.S. Constitution.
- Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggested the law might be unconstitutional but said NetChoice hadn't proven enough to block it early.
- Mississippi law demands social media platforms get "express consent" from a parent before minors can open accounts.
- NetChoice argued against the law, stating its members already use policies for moderating child content and parental controls.
- The law's enforcement includes civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation and potential criminal charges.
- Other courts in seven states have blocked similar laws, while technology companies face various lawsuits over alleged impacts on mental health.
- The Mississippi case is the first time the Supreme Court considered a social media age-verification law.
