Iowa Senate Bill SF50

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to requirements for filters on mobile devices activated in the state, providing for civil liability for manufacturers of mobile devices for certain violations, and including penalties.

Impact

SB50 introduces civil liabilities for manufacturers that fail to comply with the filtering requirements. If a minor accesses harmful material on a device that does not have an activated filter, the manufacturer may be held liable. However, this liability does not extend to manufacturers who demonstrate a good-faith effort to comply with industry standards for device filtration. The bill allows either private individuals or the attorney general to take legal action against manufacturers, enforcing accountability and creating potential legal recourse for victims.

Summary

Senate File 50, also known as the Cause of Action to Protect Minors from Unfiltered Devices Act, establishes requirements for manufacturers of mobile devices sold in Iowa, specifically focusing on the automatic activation of filters to protect minors from accessing harmful content. The bill mandates that all tablets and smartphones manufactured on or after January 1, 2024, must come with an automatically enabled filter that blocks material deemed harmful to minors. This filter must be capable of functioning across mobile data networks, installed applications, and internet services, and must notify users when access is blocked. Users with a passcode will have the option to deactivate or modify the filters, ensuring some degree of user control.

Contention

The bill has raised discussion regarding its implications for manufacturers and the definitions surrounding harmful content. Critics express concerns about the feasibility of implementing such stringent filtering requirements, arguing it could hinder usability and infringe on device functionality. Supporters argue that the legislation addresses a critical need for improved safety measures, underscoring the importance of protecting minors from easily accessible online dangers. The introduction of civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation and a cap of $50,000 for total penalties raises questions about how these measures could affect manufacturers financially and their operational practices moving forward.