Big Tech and Pornography: The Urgent Call for Child Protection

In a recent announcement, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey highlighted a pressing issue: the failure of major technology and pornography companies to adequately protect children from harmful content. This revelation has sparked a significant conversation about the responsibilities of these giants in safeguarding the well-being of minors. The statement emphasizes that protecting children is not just a moral obligation but a legal requirement, particularly under Missouri state statute, which mandates age verification for accessing certain online content.

The Risks Children Face Online

The internet is a vast space that offers a wealth of information and entertainment. However, it also exposes children to a variety of risks, including inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Research has shown that early exposure to explicit material can have lasting effects on children’s mental and emotional health. As more children gain access to smartphones and tablets, the urgency for stringent protections becomes increasingly clear.

The Role of Big Tech in Child Safety

Big Tech companies, including social media platforms and adult websites, have a significant influence on the type of content accessible to users. While these platforms have implemented some measures to restrict access to explicit material, critics argue that they often fall short of adequate safeguards. The recent call to action from Attorney General Bailey underscores the need for these companies to take their responsibilities seriously and implement robust age verification processes.

Missouri’s Age Verification Law

Missouri has taken a proactive stance in addressing the issue of online safety for minors. The state’s age verification law requires websites that host adult content to implement measures that ensure users are of legal age. This law is a response to increasing concerns from parents, educators, and lawmakers about the impact of unregulated access to pornography and other adult materials on children. By enforcing this law, Missouri aims to set a precedent for other states to follow, potentially leading to a nationwide standard for online safety.

The Importance of Compliance

Attorney General Bailey’s statement makes it clear that compliance with these laws is not optional. Big Tech and pornography companies must take immediate action to align their practices with state regulations. This compliance is crucial for several reasons:

1. Protecting Children’s Rights: Ensuring that children are shielded from inappropriate content is fundamental to their development and well-being.
2. Legal Accountability: Companies that fail to comply with age verification laws may face legal repercussions, including fines and litigation, which can impact their reputation and profitability.
3. Building Trust with Users: By prioritizing child safety, companies can foster greater trust among their users, including parents who are increasingly concerned about their children’s online experiences.
   

   The Broader Implications of Child Protection Online
   

   The conversation surrounding child protection online extends beyond just the responsibility of Big Tech. It involves parents, educators, policymakers, and society as a whole. Collaborative efforts are needed to create a safer online environment for children. Here are some key areas where collective action can make a difference:

   Educating Parents and Guardians
   

   Parents play a critical role in guiding their children’s online activities. Education on digital literacy and safe internet practices empowers parents to have open conversations with their kids about the potential dangers they may encounter online. Providing resources and training for parents can help them better navigate the digital landscape alongside their children.

   Empowering Educators
   

   Schools can serve as a vital resource for teaching students about internet safety. Integrating digital citizenship programs into the curriculum can equip students with the knowledge they need to make informed choices while using the internet. Educators can also play a role in identifying early signs of online distress among students, facilitating timely interventions.

   Advocating for Policy Changes
   

   Policymakers must continue to advocate for stronger regulations that hold companies accountable for the content they host. This includes not only enforcing age verification laws but also promoting transparency in how companies manage and moderate content. Ongoing dialogue between tech companies and lawmakers is essential for crafting effective policies that prioritize child safety.

   Increasing Public Awareness
   

   Raising awareness about the potential risks associated with internet use is vital. Public campaigns can educate society about the importance of protecting children online, encouraging a cultural shift towards prioritizing safety. By amplifying the message, communities can work together to demand better practices from tech companies and advocate for legislative changes.

   Conclusion
   

   The recent announcement by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey serves as a critical reminder of the responsibilities that Big Tech and pornography companies have in protecting children from harmful content. Age verification and compliance with state laws are not mere suggestions; they are essential components of a broader strategy to ensure the safety and well-being of minors in an increasingly digital world. As stakeholders across various sectors come together to address this issue, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to create a safer online environment for future generations. Protecting children isn’t optional—it’s the law.

BREAKING: Big Tech and porn giants have ignored the harm they’re doing to our kids.

Not anymore.

We’re forcing them to verify age and comply with Missouri state statute.

Protecting children isn’t optional—it’s the law.

— Attorney General Andrew Bailey (@AGAndrewBailey) April 9, 2025

BREAKING: Big Tech and porn giants have ignored the harm they’re doing to our kids.

It’s no secret that the digital landscape can be a wild and sometimes dangerous place for children. With the proliferation of smartphones and internet access, young kids are exposed to content that can seriously impact their mental and emotional well-being. As the Attorney General of Missouri, Andrew Bailey, recently highlighted, Big Tech and porn giants have ignored the harm they’re doing to our kids. This isn’t just a passing concern; it’s an urgent issue that needs immediate action.

Not anymore.

Kids are our future, and protecting them should be a top priority for everyone—parents, educators, and lawmakers alike. With the recent announcement from AG Bailey, it’s clear that the Missouri government is taking a stand against this negligence. The call for accountability is loud and clear: we’re forcing them to verify age and comply with Missouri state statute. The idea is simple: if companies want to provide adult content, they must take responsibility for ensuring that minors aren’t exposed to it.

We’re forcing them to verify age and comply with Missouri state statute.

The implementation of age verification systems is critical. With the rise of technology, it’s become easier to access explicit content, often with just a few clicks. These platforms have long claimed that they cannot be held responsible for the content shared on their sites, but that excuse is wearing thin. By requiring age verification, Missouri aims to create a safer environment for children and hold these corporations accountable for the content they host.

Age verification isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about creating a culture of responsibility. Companies should be required to implement robust systems that can accurately verify the age of users, ensuring that kids can’t slip through the cracks and view inappropriate content. This could include measures like requiring government-issued IDs or utilizing advanced technology that can recognize age through facial recognition (while ensuring privacy and security are maintained).

Protecting children isn’t optional—it’s the law.

This isn’t just a good idea; it’s a necessity. The law should reflect the reality of the digital age in which we live. With mental health issues on the rise among children, largely due to exposure to harmful content, it’s time for lawmakers to step in and do their jobs. As Bailey put it, “Protecting children isn’t optional—it’s the law.” This is a powerful statement that emphasizes the responsibility we all share in safeguarding the well-being of our youth.

Critics might argue that age verification can be intrusive or that it may not stop determined children from accessing inappropriate content. While these concerns are valid, the overarching goal is to create barriers that make it more difficult for minors to access harmful material. Additionally, the technology is evolving, and there are many innovative solutions being developed that respect user privacy while ensuring safety.

The Broader Implications of Age Verification

When we talk about age verification, it’s not just about pornographic websites. This issue extends to numerous sectors. Social media platforms, gaming sites, and streaming services also need to consider the impact of their content on young users. For example, platforms like TikTok and Instagram have faced scrutiny for exposing kids to inappropriate content. Age verification could serve as a significant step towards creating healthier online environments.

Moreover, making age verification a requirement can have ripple effects across the industry. As Missouri leads the charge, other states might follow suit, creating a nationwide movement towards stricter regulations. This could lead to a more standardized approach to protecting children, and ultimately, a safer internet for everyone.

What Parents Can Do

While legislation is essential, parents also play a crucial role in protecting their children online. Open conversations about internet safety and the dangers of certain content are vital. Parents should educate their children about the importance of privacy and the potential risks associated with sharing personal information online. Setting clear rules about internet usage and monitoring their online activity can also help mitigate risks.

In addition, parents can utilize parental controls available on most devices and platforms. These tools can help restrict access to harmful content and allow parents to feel more secure about their children’s online interactions. While age verification laws like those being enacted in Missouri can provide a safety net, proactive parenting remains a critical component of ensuring children navigate the internet safely.

The Role of Technology Companies

Big Tech companies have a responsibility to prioritize user safety, especially when it comes to children. They need to invest in developing more effective age verification technologies and take the issue seriously. Many tech companies have the resources to implement these solutions; the question is whether they will take the necessary steps to do so. Companies should be transparent about their age verification processes and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding young users.

Furthermore, the industry as a whole must recognize the importance of ethical responsibilities. By stepping up and supporting age verification laws, tech giants can not only protect their users but also improve their public image. The effectiveness of these laws ultimately depends on the cooperation between lawmakers and corporations. It’s a partnership that can lead to healthier online spaces for future generations.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, it’s critical to keep the conversation alive about protecting children online. The announcement from AG Bailey is a significant step in the right direction, but it’s only the beginning. Ongoing dialogue between parents, lawmakers, and technology companies is essential to create a comprehensive strategy for safeguarding our youth.

Let’s not forget that the digital world is here to stay, and with it comes both opportunities and challenges. By prioritizing child safety through legislation and technology, we can work towards a future where kids can explore the internet without the threat of exposure to harmful content. It’s time to hold Big Tech accountable and ensure that protecting children isn’t just a talking point, but a reality.