Fact Check: Texas Law Could Impose Fines Up to $10,000 Per Day on Non-Compliant Websites
What We Know
In June 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Texas law requiring adult websites to verify the ages of their users. This law, known as HB 1181, mandates that websites with more than one-third of their content deemed harmful to minors must ensure that users are over 18 years old. The verification can be done through various methods, including submitting government-issued identification or using banking information. Importantly, the law stipulates that websites that fail to comply can face fines of up to $10,000 per day for violations (Texas Tribune, ABA Journal).
Analysis
The claim that Texas law could impose fines up to $10,000 per day on non-compliant websites is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The Texas Attorney General's office confirmed that companies violating the age verification requirements would indeed face these fines (Texas Attorney General). The law was enacted as part of a broader initiative to protect minors from exposure to sexually explicit content, and its constitutionality was affirmed by the Supreme Court, which ruled that states have the authority to impose such regulations (Texas Tribune).
The law has sparked significant debate regarding its implications for free speech and privacy. Critics argue that it could infringe on adults' rights to access legal content and raise concerns about privacy and security, as it requires users to provide personal identification (ABA Journal). However, the law's supporters, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, emphasize the necessity of protecting children from harmful content (Texas Attorney General).
Conclusion
The claim that Texas law could impose fines up to $10,000 per day on non-compliant websites is True. The law has been upheld by the Supreme Court, confirming its constitutionality and the state's right to enforce such measures. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports this assertion, highlighting both the legal framework and the potential consequences for non-compliance.
