Mississippi has made it mandatory to declare age for social media use. The new law aims to ensure online safety for children, but tech companies consider it an attack on privacy and freedom of expression.
Age Verification Law: The world of social media is no longer as simple as it used to be. The US state of Mississippi has implemented a new law that requires every user to provide proof of their age before using social media. While the aim of this law is to strengthen online safety for children, this move has angered tech companies. They consider it an attack on privacy and freedom of expression.
What is Mississippi's new 'Age Verification Law'?
According to the Age Verification Law implemented in Mississippi, anyone who wants to use Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, or any social media platform must first verify their age. Social media companies are now required to verify the age of every new user. If a user does not provide such proof, they will not be allowed to create an account or use the platform. The direct aim of this rule is to protect underage children from online dangers.
Why was this strict law introduced?
The biggest reason behind this law is said to be the safety of children. In recent years, several reports have surfaced in the United States and other countries stating that social media has led to children facing serious dangers such as mental stress, depression, cyberbullying, pornography, and even suicide. Parents and child protection organizations have long been pressuring the government to ensure the safety of children in the world of social media. This strict step has been taken in that direction.
Court ruling gives approval
Although a court had initially put a stay on this law, the 5th Circuit US Court of Appeals, with a bench of three judges, has now removed this stay. Now this law can be fully implemented under legal enforcement. With this, Mississippi has joined the few states in America where concrete laws for the online safety of children have been effectively implemented.
Sharp reaction from tech companies
The tech industry is extremely angry with this law. An organization called NetChoice, which represents major companies like Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Google (YouTube), and Snap Inc. (Snapchat), has filed a case against it in court. NetChoice argues that this law violates users' rights to freedom, expression, and privacy. They say that it is not the government's right, but the parents' right to decide what is appropriate for children.
Which states are making such laws?
Mississippi is not the only state that is taking a strict stance on the online safety of children. Prior to this, such laws have also been passed in US states like Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and Utah. NetChoice has fought legal battles against these laws in these states as well. But the courts are now showing a tilt in favor of the government.
Privacy vs. Security: Who will win?
This debate is now divided into two sides. On one side are those who believe that this law is a necessary step for the mental and emotional safety of children.
On the other side are tech companies and digital rights activists, who consider it a dangerous beginning — which could jeopardize users' freedom and privacy.
Could this happen in India too?
In India too, concerns have been raised from time to time regarding the online safety of children. The government has tightened rules for monitoring digital platforms in the past few years. If this model is successful in the United States and receives widespread support, it is possible that similar age verification laws may be suggested in India and other countries as well.
