Social Media: You will have to tell your age before using social media! New law implemented, tech companies are angry..

Now, if a person wants to use social media, he will have to first disclose his age. This law has been implemented in the US state of Mississippi. A US federal court has approved this new Age Verification Law.

However, according to tech companies, this law is an attack on people's privacy and freedom of expression. The legal battle over this matter is still going on.

What is the new law?

According to this law passed in Mississippi in 2024, social media sites will now have to verify the age of every user.

No user will be allowed to open an account without age verification. This rule will apply to all social media platforms.

Why was this law made?
The government and parents in favor of this law say that it is necessary for the safety of children. Cases like vulgar trafficking, sexual abuse of children, obscenity, online bullying, incitement to suicide have increased through social media. Many researchers have found that excessive use of social media is increasing depression and anxiety among youngsters.

What is the court's decision?

Earlier, a court stopped this law, but now a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit US Court of Appeals has lifted this ban. Now this law can be implemented legally.

Tech companies' displeasure

This law is facing strong opposition in the tech industry. An organization named NetChoice has filed a case against it. This organization represents big companies like Google (YouTube), Meta (Facebook and Instagram), and Snap Inc. (Snapchat).

NetChoice says that this law is a direct attack on the freedom of expression and privacy of users. What is right for children should be decided by parents, not the government.

Where else are such laws being implemented?

NetChoice has already filed cases against similar laws. The new law is being implemented in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and Utah.

On one hand, this new law of Mississippi is a big step taken for the online safety of children, on the other hand, tech companies are calling it an attack on privacy and freedom of expression. She is considering it an attack. Now it remains to be seen whether such laws are implemented in other states of America in the coming times or not.

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