"The law requires platforms to use "commercially reasonable methods," which it says include a screen that prompts the user to enter a birth date. However, NetChoice argues that Virginia could go beyond this requirement, citing a post from Governor Youngkin on X, stating "platforms must verify age," potentially referring to stricter methods, like having users submit a government ID or other personal information."
"The tech industry trade group NetChoice is suing Virginia over a new law that will restrict minors from using social media for more than one hour per day. The lawsuit, filed on Monday, asks the court to block the law over claims it violates the First Amendment by putting "unlawful barriers on how and when all Virginians can access free speech online.""
"We've already seen the risks of this data collection, as Discord revealed last month that around 70,000 users may have had their government IDs exposed during a customer service data breach related to age-related appeals. NetChoice, which is backed by tech giants like Meta, Google, Amazon, Reddit, and Discord, alleges that the law puts a burden on minors' ability to engage or consume speech online."
Virginia passed SB 854, a 2026 law that limits social media use for minors under 16 to one hour per day without parental permission. NetChoice filed a lawsuit seeking to block the law, arguing it violates the First Amendment by restricting access to lawful online speech. The lawsuit also contends age-verification requirements could force platforms to collect sensitive personal data, increasing privacy and security risks. NetChoice cited a recent Discord breach exposing government IDs as an example of those risks. Major tech companies including Meta, Google, Amazon, Reddit, and Discord back the trade group's legal challenge.
Read at The Verge
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