The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to block Mississippi's social media age verification law, HB 1126, which requires platforms to verify users' ages and restrict access for those under 18 without parental consent. The court's unsigned ruling came after an emergency petition from trade association NetChoice, backed by major tech companies, challenging the law on First Amendment grounds. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in a concurring opinion, called the law "likely unconstitutional" but noted NetChoice had not shown sufficient risk of harm to block it. Despite this, NetChoice remains confident in its legal challenge. The case highlights ongoing debates about online age verification laws designed to protect minors, amid similar laws in Texas and the UK raising privacy and free speech concerns.
