CJ Pearson, Co-Chair of the GOP Youth Advisory Council, expressed concerns about Louisiana’s age verification bill, stating it shifts authority away from parents and enables government and corporate overreach. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
“PAUSE: What’s going on in LA,” said Pearson. “Big Tech is pushing lawmakers to pass so-called “age verification” legislation they claim will protect kids online. This bill replaces parents with government mandates and exposes kids to corporate surveillance. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.”
Louisiana House Bill 570 (HB 570), introduced in April 2025, requires app store providers and developers to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for minors under 18 before allowing downloads or in-app purchases. The bill defines age categories and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance, aiming to protect minors online. Critics argue it could infringe on privacy and parental rights by shifting oversight from families to government and corporations. The Chamber of Progress opposes the bill, citing concerns over invasive data collection and potential First Amendment violations.
According to a 2023 poll by Fairplay, 86% of U.S. voters support the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which seeks to implement safeguards against online harms for minors. This indicates strong public backing for legislative measures aimed at protecting children online. However, debates continue over the balance between safety, privacy, and parental control.
As of January 2025, 19 U.S. states, including Louisiana, have enacted laws requiring age verification to access potentially harmful online content. These laws aim to enhance minors’ online privacy but have sparked debates over their effectiveness and impact on free speech. The trend reflects a growing legislative focus on children’s digital safety across the country.
Pearson is a conservative political activist who serves as the co-chair of the Republican National Committee’s Youth Advisory Council. Born in Augusta, Georgia, he gained national attention in 2015 for his online political commentary. He has been involved in various political campaigns and youth advocacy initiatives, emphasizing conservative values and youth engagement in politics.
