Is the massive New Mexico verdict against Meta really about privacy—or is it about speech?

In this episode of The Fine Print with Julie Barrett, Trace Mitchell (Lead Counsel for Technology and Free Expression Policy at FIRE) joins Julie to break down the $25 billion case, why three of the five categories of claims have nothing to do with data privacy, and how the decision could chill what platforms say about content moderation.

They also dig into:
The real problems with KOSA and similar “child safety” bills
Why age-verification mandates often function as digital ID requirements
How these laws burden adult speech and anonymity
Kids’ First Amendment rights and the overlooked benefits of online connection
Why well-intentioned legislation can be weaponized against speech from both sides
What actually protects kids online (hint: it’s not government databases)

Trace previously served as general counsel for Senator Rand Paul, worked at NetChoice and the Institute for Justice, and clerked on the Maryland Supreme Court. He’s been in the middle of these fights for years.

Guest: Trace Mitchell (@TraceTheLaw on X)
Host: Julie Barrett

Find Trace and FIRE:
fire.org
@TraceTheLaw on X


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#freespeech #KOSA #DigitalID #ChildSafety #FirstAmendment

Protecting Kids Online is a coalition of parents and citizens pushing back on surveillance and censorship bills sold as child safety. Read the bills. Talk to your legislators. Join the coalition at protectingkids.online.