State legislative updates and legal publications

Supreme Court Weighs First Amendment Challenge to Texas Age Verification Law for Online Pornography

Jan 15, 2025, 02:08 PM

On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the case Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which challenges a Texas law requiring age verification for accessing pornographic websites. Defended by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the law mandates that adult websites must verify the age of their users to prevent minors from viewing explicit content. Opponents, including the ACLU, argue that the law violates the First Amendment rights of adults by imposing undue burdens on their access to constitutionally protected material and raising concerns about online anonymity and privacy. During the hearing, Justice Samuel Alito and other justices appeared sympathetic to Texas' position, expressing concerns about the ease with which minors can access online pornography. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for similar age verification laws enacted in over 20 states, shaping the future of online content regulation and the balance between protecting children and preserving free speech rights.