Tech Group Sues Mississippi for Age Verification on Websites

A tech industry group has filed a lawsuit challenging a new Mississippi law that requires users of websites and digital services to verify their age, claiming it will unconstitutionally limit access to online speech for minors and adults.

The law, which is set to become effective on July 1, was passed by the Republican-controlled House and Senate with no opposition from either party. Governor Tate Reeves signed the bill on April 30, aiming to protect children from sexually explicit material.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Jackson by NetChoice, a tech industry group whose members include Google, Snap Inc., and Meta. The group has successfully blocked similar laws in other states like Arkansas, California, and Ohio.

According to the lawsuit, the Mississippi law would require both minors and adults to verify their ages before accessing protected speech online, potentially infringing on their freedom of speech and violating the First Amendment. The law would also replace websites’ voluntary content moderation efforts with state-mandated censorship.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch is named as the defendant in the lawsuit, with the attorney general’s office stating they look forward to defending the law that aims to help parents protect their children online.

This lawsuit comes amidst a broader push by tech industry groups like NetChoice to challenge state laws that impose strict limits on children’s access to online platforms. Utah, another state sued by NetChoice, recently revised its laws to require social media companies to verify users’ ages and disable certain features on accounts owned by Utah youths.