The bill aims to protect minors from exposure to sexual material deemed harmful, by requiring websites that distribute adult content to implement strict verification methods. If a website fails to verify a user's age adequately and a minor accesses such material, the commercial entity could be liable for significant civil penalties. This legislation puts enforcement power into the hands of the Attorney General, who can initiate legal actions against violators.
Summary
Senate Bill 1346 seeks to amend chapter 407 of Missouri law by introducing a new section that mandates age verification on adult websites to prevent minors from accessing harmful material. The bill defines 'age verification' as the process by which a commercial entity must prove the age of an individual attempting to access adult content, utilizing either digital identification or other commercially reasonable methods. This includes the use of government-issued IDs or transaction data for age verification.
Contention
Notably, the bill does not apply to bona fide news or public interest broadcasts, which is a significant aspect as it attempts to balance free speech with age protection. The contention likely arises around how effectively age verification can be implemented without infringing on user privacy, as the bill mandates that no identifying information be retained from individuals undergoing age verification. Proponents argue that it is essential for safeguarding youth, while opponents may question the implications for privacy and the feasibility of effective enforcement.