A federal judge has issued an injunction halting a Mississippi law that would have required online platforms to verify the ages of users. The law, known as House Bill 1126, aimed to protect children from explicit online content, but tech industry group NetChoice sued the state, claiming it would limit adults’ free speech and privacy.
U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden granted NetChoice’s request for a preliminary injunction, citing a substantial likelihood of success in proving the law’s unconstitutionality. NetChoice has been fighting similar laws in other states and has secured multiple injunctions.
The Mississippi law, named after a teen who reportedly committed suicide due to online threats, has been criticized for potentially undermining privacy and censoring free speech. NetChoice’s director, Chris Marchese, stated that the law would hinder the exchange of ideas and restrict access to lawful information online.
The ruling has been praised by advocates of free speech and online privacy, who believe that the law would have had detrimental effects on digital services. The case will continue to move forward, with NetChoice hoping to see the law struck down permanently. Mississippians have a First Amendment right to access lawful information online without government censorship, and the injunction serves as a victory for online freedom of speech.
Source
Photo credit mississippitoday.org
