Legislation requiring all pornography websites to implement age verification technology to protect children from being exposed to explicit content online is gaining traction in more than a dozen states. Seventeen states, including Alabama and Georgia, have enacted such laws, with momentum building to make this a national requirement. Terry Schilling, President of the American Principles Project, is spearheading the effort, aiming to work with the next president to make this a nationwide policy. Senator Mike Lee introduced the SCREEN Act last year, which would direct the FCC to establish a standard for age verification technology on certain websites. This push is motivated by the idea that pornography has harmful psychological effects on minors.
Sen. Mike Lee believes that pornography companies should not profit from children viewing their content and supports the enactment of age verification laws nationwide. The detrimental effects of pornography on minors, such as anxiety, addiction, and low self-esteem, are driving the need for stricter regulations. Schilling also argues that with children spending more time online, explicit content on adult websites is becoming more prevalent and harmful. This issue is further highlighted by cases of sex trafficking and child pornography being discovered on sites like Pornhub, raising concerns about the safety of minors accessing such content.
Despite some successes at the state level, the push for nationwide age verification laws may face challenges due to previous legislation being struck down by the Supreme Court. Congress has attempted to restrict children’s access to online pornography in the past, but their efforts have often been invalidated for not meeting First Amendment standards. However, Schilling remains optimistic, citing the precedent set in several states that obscenity is not protected under the First Amendment. The hope is that a national law can be implemented to better protect children from explicit content online.
The negative impact of pornography on minors is a driving force behind the legislation, with concerns about minors experiencing anxiety, addiction, and an increase in problematic sexual behaviors at a younger age. Schilling argues that the focus on individualism has led to a neglect of the harmful effects of pornography on children, and that more stringent measures are necessary to ensure their protection. With children spending more time online and being exposed to explicit content, there is a growing need for regulations to safeguard their well-being.
While the effort to implement age verification technology on pornography websites is gaining momentum, there are still obstacles to overcome on the path to a national policy. The history of legislation aimed at protecting children from online pornography has faced challenges due to First Amendment concerns and the need for less intrusive methods. However, with support from lawmakers like Sen. Mike Lee and advocacy from organizations like the American Principles Project, there is hope that a national law can be enacted to better protect children from harmful content online. As children’s exposure to explicit material continues to be a concern, the push for stricter regulations on pornography websites remains a critical issue for lawmakers and advocates alike.
