“Protecting Our Children: How States’ Efforts Could Revolutionize Online Safety and Transform the Internet”
Louisiana has passed a new law which makes it an offense for children under the age of 13 to view pornography online. The law, which will come into effect from January 1, 2024, is the latest in a series of measures aimed at protecting children from the dangers of the internet.
Under the new law, any website found to be hosting pornographic material which is accessible to children under 13 will be required to install age verification software. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $10,000 per violation.
The Louisiana law follows similar measures introduced in other states across the country, including Utah, South Carolina, and Arkansas. Supporters of the new laws argue that they are necessary to protect children from the harmful effects of pornography, which has been linked to a range of negative outcomes including depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Critics of the laws, however, argue that they are too broad in scope and could infringe on the free speech rights of adult users of the internet. They also suggest that such measures will do little to address the root causes of the problem, including social inequality and poor sex education.
Despite these concerns, it is clear that the issue of online pornography and its effects on children is a growing concern for lawmakers across the country. With more and more young people gaining access to the internet at an ever-earlier age, it is vital that measures are put in place to protect them from the risks posed by a largely unregulated online world.
Key Takeaway:
– Louisiana has passed a new law prohibiting children under 13 from accessing pornography online
– Websites hosting pornographic material accessible to children under 13 must install age verification software or face up to $10,000 fines per violation
– Similar laws have been introduced in other US states, including Utah, South Carolina, and Arkansas
– Supporters argue such measures are necessary to protect children from the harmful effects of pornography, while critics suggest they could restrict free speech and do little to address some of the root causes of the problem.
