Supreme Court Backs Mississippi’s Social Media Age Law

• The U.S. Supreme Court allows Mississippi to enforce age checks on social media while legal challenges continue over free speech and privacy concerns.

Temporary Enforcement Amid Legal Dispute

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to block a Mississippi law requiring age verification for social media users under 18. This decision allows the state to enforce the measure while a broader legal challenge, led by tech industry group NetChoice, unfolds. NetChoice represents major platforms including Facebook, X, and YouTube, and argues the law infringes on constitutional rights. Justice Brett Kavanaugh acknowledged the group may ultimately prevail but said it failed to justify halting the law at this stage.

The law, known as the Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act, mandates parental consent for minors creating social media accounts. It also restricts platforms from collecting certain types of data from young users, such as location and behavioral profiles. A federal judge initially blocked the law, citing constitutional concerns, but the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision in July. The Supreme Court’s unsigned order included no dissents, though Kavanaugh issued a separate opinion highlighting potential First Amendment issues.

Balancing Safety and Rights

Supporters of the law argue it’s a necessary step to protect children from online harms, including exploitation and exposure to inappropriate content. Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch emphasized that the law targets activities not protected by the First Amendment, such as sextortion and trafficking. Communications director MaryAsa Lee expressed appreciation for the Court’s decision and called for thoughtful deliberation as the case proceeds. Critics, however, warn that the law could lead to overreach and unintended consequences for users of all ages.

NetChoice contends that mandatory age verification could compromise user privacy and limit access to protected speech. The group has filed similar lawsuits in several other states, including Florida, Georgia, and Utah. Paul Taske, co-director of the NetChoice Litigation Center, described the ruling as a procedural setback but remained optimistic about the outcome. He pointed to Kavanaugh’s remarks as a sign that the Court may eventually strike down the law.

National Implications and Industry Response

This case is part of a broader trend as states attempt to regulate youth access to digital platforms. At least a dozen states have enacted similar laws, reflecting growing concern over social media’s impact on mental health. Researchers have linked excessive screen time to rising rates of anxiety and depression among teenagers. Educators also report that online conflicts often spill into classrooms, disrupting learning environments.

Major platforms have yet to announce Mississippi-specific changes but are monitoring developments closely. Meta and TikTok have introduced broader safety features for teens, including time limits and parental controls. These measures aim to balance user autonomy with protective oversight, though their effectiveness remains under review. Industry observers note that compliance with state-level laws may require significant operational adjustments.