Free Speech Clash: The Supreme Court allowed the law of Mississippi to require age verification for minors; Tech veteran opposes mandate

The US Supreme Court on Thursday refused to temporarily block a Mississippi law, requiring age verification and parents’ consent for minors to use social media platforms.The law will be effective to continue legal challenges, with the aim of protecting young people from possible online loss. It is one of the several measures passed by American states to prevent the impact of social media on children.Netchoice- A group representing companies including Netchoice- Facebook, Instagram, Redit, X and YouTube asked the Supreme Court to stop the law after the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeal in New Orleans. A lower court had earlier blocked the law, the verdict violated the first amendment.US District Judge Sul Ozraden said that the remedy was widespread and parents already have other ways to monitor their children’s online activity.The Supreme Court did not explain its decision. However, Justice Brett Kawanugh said that while the law could be unconstitutional, Netches did not prove that there would be enough damage to stop it from implementing it during the court battle, USA Today said.Netachose Attorney Paul Sussey called the ruling “procedural delay” and expressed confidence that the group would eventually be strong in protecting free speech rights.“Although we are disappointed with the court’s decision, Justice Kawanug’s consent makes it clear that the Netchice will eventually be successful in defending the first amendment-only in this case but in all the Netachois’ ID-for-Spitch cases, in a statement,” Sussey said in a statement.Mississippi officials defended the law, stating that it targets platforms that allow hunters to contact minors. He cited a case in which a 16 -year -old boy took his life after meeting someone on Instagram, who threatened to highlight his sexual encounter until he paid $ 1,000.The state also argued that the Supreme Court’s earlier verdict to block the law, stopping the first decision to maintain a Texas law, requiring age verification for obscene websites.Netchoice violates the law on free speech by forcing all users, including adults to provide personal information to reach online platforms. “Social media is a modern printing press – it allows all Americans to share their ideas and attitudes,” Sussey said. “Just as the government cannot force you to provide an identity to read a newspaper, the same news is true when available online.”