Texas Age-Verification Law for Porn Sites Reaches Supreme Court

A Texas law requiring online age verification to access pornographic websites will be reviewed by the Supreme Court in its next term starting October. The law, known as HB 1181, was signed by Gov. Greg Abbott last year and requires porn sites to verify users' age through government-issued ID, with fines for violators up to $10,000 per day.

Sources/URLs:

• Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs online pornography bill into law forcing age verification
• Tex. Gov't Code § 321.005

Challenge by The Free Speech Coalition:

"While purportedly seeking to limit minors’ access to online sexual content, the Act imposes significant burdens on adults’ access to constitutionally protected expression." – The Free Speech Coalition

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defends the requirement, stating:

"It simply requires the pornography industry that makes billions of dollars from trafficking in obscenity to take commercially reasonable steps to ensure that those who access the material are adults." – Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General

Background:

• Last year, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld HB 1181, striking down only the health warning display mandate.
• Court battle details: Texas v. AYLO Global Entertainment
• Pornhub has blocked access in Texas and other states with similar laws: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Utah, and Virginia.
• The ACLU supports the challenge, citing adults' privacy and free speech rights.