A coalition of Texas students and organizations is challenging a new state law that bans social media platforms from serving “harmful” content to minors, citing First Amendment rights. The group argues that the law unconstitutionally restricts teens’ access to protected content and infringes on adults’ free speech by compromising their anonymity and privacy.
The Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment Act (HB 18), which is set to take effect on September 1, requires social platforms to filter content deemed harmful by state lawmakers, including materials related to eating disorders, self-harm, and substance abuse. It also mandates age verification and parental access to minors’ accounts while prohibiting targeted ads to minors without parental consent.
The coalition, including Students Engaged in Advancing Texas and Ampersand Group, claims the law will hinder their ability to discuss important issues and share public service messages with teens. Similar laws in other states have faced legal challenges, with NetChoice securing injunctions against enforcement in California, Arkansas, Ohio, and Mississippi.
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