Key facts
- A coalition of state attorneys general is challenging tech companies over age verification laws.
- The legal action is inspired by strategies used against the tobacco industry.
- Plaintiffs argue that age verification laws violate children's First Amendment rights.
- Meta was previously found liable for endangering children and misleading the public.
- A Texas law requiring age verification was signed last May and is currently under legal challenge.
A coalition of state attorneys general has united to challenge technology companies regarding age verification measures, drawing parallels to past legal battles against the tobacco industry. The legal efforts are aimed at holding tech companies accountable for children's online safety.
Texas enacted a law requiring age verification for online platforms, which has faced legal challenges. While a federal judge initially blocked enforcement, citing potential First Amendment violations, a U.S. appeals court has since paused that ruling. Plaintiffs, including a youth advocacy group and a tech trade organization, argue that these laws restrict children's access to apps and limit their ability to engage in free expression.
This coordinated action follows previous legal successes against tech giants. In March, Meta was found liable in New Mexico for endangering children and misleading the public, resulting in $375 million in civil penalties. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, who spearheaded that suit, is now part of the broader coalition. Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford highlighted age verification as crucial for online child safety, referencing his past settlements and ongoing lawsuits against major tech platforms like Discord, Meta, and YouTube.