The Supreme Court Appears Sympathetic to Online Digital ID Laws

The Supreme Court is now wrestling with Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, a case that could redefine what freedom of speech—or even the freedom to browse—means in the digital era. Texas, never one to shy away from bold ideas, is defending its latest masterpiece: House Bill 1181. This law demands that any commercial website hosting content vaguely defined as “sexual material harmful to minors” must verify the ages of its users. If more than a third of a site’s content is deemed risqué or “harmful to minors,” the digital bouncers must come out. No ID, no entry. Violators face civil penalties.

Because nothing says “small government” like forcing websites to collect and store the personal data of millions, especially when lawmakers want these laws extended to social media platforms – a move that would end online anonymity for all.