First, it argues, the law applies to any website with more than one-third content that is inappropriate for minors and therefore restricts adults’ access to speech that is not sexual and “not even arguably obscene for minors.” It also fails to target search engines and social media sites that make available the same type of content, the coalition says.

The group argues that Texas should adopt less restrictive and more effective alternatives to age verification, such as content-filtering software that blocks access to certain internet content that’s been used in homes, schools and libraries.

The Texas law calls on sites to verify users’ government-issued identification or use another commercially available system that uses public or private age-related data. The sites are not allowed under the law to keep the data it collects.

  • Derrick
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    6 hours ago

    Ha, ha, ha.

    The shit hits the fan when identity needs to be tied to internet access.

    Actually, who does keep the data that Joe Smith (birthday 4.4.2004, social insurance #677-63663-6663, currently residing at 24 Melgrath Court, Austin, Texas) accessed Pornhub on January 15, 2025 for three hours?

    How is it possible that teenagers with lots of time on their hands won’t find a way to bypass this censorship?

    Is it not a possibility that people seeking a VPN to bypass this porn-wall will download a sketchy .EXE and compromise their whole system and give up their bank account details to some schmuck in China?

    Who never thought this through (Ken Paxton)?

    • Jiggle_Physics
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      1 hour ago

      A law doesn’t have to be effective for its stated purpose. If the law allows them to have more control over the internet, bypass rights, etc. it is an effective law for them.