Taylor Lorenz’s Power User Congress Is Pushing Another Internet Censorship Law: The SCREEN Act
Jan 9, 2026
In this enlightening discussion, Michael Stabile, Director of Public Policy at the Free Speech Coalition, highlights the alarming implications of the SCREEN Act, a law masquerading as a child safety measure. He reveals its roots in conservative circles and discusses the risks of mandatory age verification and identity checks. Stabile warns of the chilling effects on privacy and the potential push to ban VPNs, while emphasizing the need for collective action against these encroachments on free speech. Tune in for a critical analysis of legislation that threatens online freedoms.
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Broad Identity Verification Mandate
- The SCREEN Act mandates identity/age verification across sites deemed "adult" or "harmful to minors."
- That requirement creates a broad surveillance framework beyond traditional pornography regulation.
Verification Drives Users Away
- Forced ID and face scans create a chilling effect and most users will avoid compliance.
- Around 95% hit back and seek non-US sites or VPNs instead of submitting biometric data.
Real Users Struggle With Re-Verification
- Michael Stabile recounts people emailing their IDs to Free Speech Coalition after being redirected.
- He also cites a Tennessee man with a visual impairment who couldn't complete hourly re-verifications.