The technology industry is not pleased with Arkansas’ legislation that mandates age verification on social media platforms. NetChoice, a tech trade group that represents major companies like Google, Meta, and TikTok, has taken legal action against the state, claiming that the Social Media Safety Act violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution. This law allegedly infringes on free speech rights by requiring users to provide private data in order to access social networks and also interferes with families’ decision-making process, according to NetChoice.
Additionally, the alliance argues that the Act poses risks to privacy and safety by forcing internet companies to rely on a third-party service to store and track children’s data. NetChoice asserts that residents of Arkansas are often unaware of or not affiliated with this service, making it a likely target for hackers. Moreover, the lawsuit contends that the law attempts to regulate the internet beyond state laws while disregarding federal law. As Arkansas cannot confirm residency without obtaining data, it effectively compels everyone to submit personal documents.
State Attorney General Tim Griffin has expressed his commitment to vigorously defend the Social Media Safety Act, stating that the law mandates age verification through means such as submitting driver’s licenses and other “commercially reasonable” methods. Additionally, individuals under the age of 18 must obtain parental consent. Certain exceptions seem to apply to major social networks and their associated categories, such as those intended for “professional networking” (e.g., LinkedIn) or short entertaining videos (e.g., TikTok).
Arkansas’ age verification requirement reflects a broader trend among politicians who are calling for age verification on social media platforms. States like Utah, Connecticut, and Ohio have either passed or are contemplating similar laws. Furthermore, Senator Josh Hawley has proposed a federal bill that would ban social media access for children under 16. Concerns revolve around the potential exposure of young users to inappropriate content and individuals, as well as the negative effects on mental health through distorted perceptions of the world and addictive behavior.
The outcome of the lawsuit is uncertain. However, if successful, it could impact other attempts to verify age through personal data. Should Arkansas’ approach be ruled unconstitutional, other states might be compelled to abandon their own endeavors in this regard.
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
