Age Verification and Free Speech

This chapter explores the implications of Texas's age verification law and its potential impact on free speech in relation to upcoming Supreme Court rulings. The discussion covers constitutional concerns, privacy issues, and the challenges of verifying online identities while protecting individuals' rights. It also critiques recent legislative proposals aimed at regulating minors' access to social media and the broader implications for adult speech online.

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Episode notes

FIRE staffers take your questions on the TikTok ban, mandatory DEI statements, the Kids Online Safety Act, Trump vs. the media, and more.

Joining us:

Ari Cohn, lead counsel for tech policy
Robert Shibley, special counsel for campus advocacy
Will Creeley, legal director

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:52 Donate to FIRE!

02:49 TikTok ban

10:01 Ari’s work as tech policy lead counsel

12:03 Mandatory DEI statements at universities

15:19 How does FIRE address forced speech?

18:17 Texas’ age verification law

24:35 Would government social media bans for minors be a First Amendment violation?

33:48 Online age verification

35:17 First Amendment violations while making public comments during city council/school board public meetings

37:25: Edison, New Jersey city council case