This bill would require certain for-profit online platforms that create, host, or make available visual pornographic content to use technology that verifies users are adults and to block minors from viewing content that is "harmful to minors." "Harmful to minors" is defined in the bill to include visual material that (A) appeals to prurient interest for minors, is patently offensive for minors, and lacks serious value for minors; (B) is obscene; or (C) is child pornography.
Covered platforms must begin using age-verification technology 1 year after the bill becomes law. The verification must do more than ask users to confirm their age. Platforms must publicly describe their verification process and generally apply checks to user IP addresses (including known VPN addresses) unless a platform determines a user is outside the United States. Platforms may hire third parties to carry out verification but remain responsible for meeting the law's requirements.
The bill requires platforms to protect verification data with reasonable security and to keep that data only as long as needed to perform verification or to show compliance. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) must audit covered platforms, publish audit processes, and issue guidance within 180 days of enactment. Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive acts under the FTC Act and enforceable by the FTC. The Comptroller General (GAO) must report to Congress 2 years after platforms must comply, analyzing effectiveness, compliance rates, data security, behavioral and societal effects, and offering recommendations. The bill contains a severability clause.
No publicly available information about estimated costs is included in the bill text. The bill requires covered platforms to adopt age-verification technology and data security measures and requires FTC audits and a GAO report, but it does not provide cost estimates or federal funding amounts.
The bill's text says protecting minors from online pornography is a "compelling government interest." It states prior laws and parental filters have not fully stopped minor access, and that modern age-verification technology can be a practical, narrowly targeted way to keep minors from pornographic material. The bill frames mandatory verification and platform audits as the least restrictive way to protect minors.
No publicly available information about opponents' views is included in the bill text or metadata provided.