The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Texas laws requiring age verification for adults accessing online pornography, in a 6-3 ruling. This decision poses a setback for the Free Speech Coalition, which opposed the law. Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the majority, argued that the law does not infringe significantly on adult free speech rights and aims to protect minors. In contrast, Justice Elena Kagan’s dissent emphasized the need for stricter scrutiny of laws affecting adult free expression.
Following the ruling, popular adult site PornHub ceased operations in Texas, citing challenges in complying with the law. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton endorsed the decision, stating that companies must implement reasonable measures to shield children from pornography. While some advocate for protecting children, critics, including the Free Speech Union, highlighted that the law could infringe on adults’ free speech and raise privacy concerns.
The ruling aligns with Texas’s position that advancements in technology have made age verification easier, likening it to traditional ID checks. This decision may prompt other states to consider similar legislation, marking a significant shift in how online content is regulated.
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