Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2592

Introduced
1/24/24  
Refer
1/24/24  

Caption

Requiring the use of age-verification technology to permit access to internet websites containing material that is harmful to minors.

Impact

If passed, HB 2592 would necessitate amendments to existing statutes governing online platforms, focusing specifically on compliance requirements for age verification. Websites that do not comply with the age-verification mandate could face legal consequences, potentially leading to a significant shift in how internet entities operate. The bill reflects an increasing recognition of the need for more robust protections for children online, alongside calls for accountability from both content providers and internet service companies.

Summary

House Bill 2592 is legislation aimed at enhancing the safety of minors on the internet by requiring websites that contain material deemed harmful to minors to implement age-verification technology. The bill seeks to provide a safeguard against minors accessing inappropriate content online, responding to growing concerns about the types of materials that children can encounter without sufficient barriers. The emphasis on technological solutions is indicative of a broader movement within state legislatures to tackle internet safety through regulatory means.

Contention

However, the bill is not without its controversies. Critics argue that implementing such technology could lead to privacy concerns, as it may require the collection of personal data to verify users' ages. Additionally, there are apprehensions regarding the effectiveness of age-verification systems, which may be challenging to enforce uniformly across various platforms. Advocates for digital rights have voiced their concern that this bill might inadvertently curtail freedom of access to information for older minors, as well as place undue burdens on smaller content providers who may struggle to implement compliance measures.

Final_note

Overall, HB 2592 stands at the intersection of child protection and technology regulation, prompting necessary discussions about how best to navigate the challenges of internet safety in an increasingly digital world. Its implications on state law could reshape regulations governing online access and the responsibilities of website owners in safeguarding young users.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB394

Requiring the use of age-verification technology to permit access to internet websites containing material that is harmful to minors.

KS SB18

Require age verification by websites containing material that is harmful to minors, and to provide a penalty therefor.

KS HB1053

Require age verification by websites containing material that is harmful to minors, and to provide a penalty therefor.

KS SF2105

Age verification requirement for websites with material harmful to minors

KS SF5518

Age verification requirement for websites with material harmful to minors

KS SB2021

Relating to requirements for certain Internet websites containing sexual material harmful to minors; providing a civil penalty.

KS SB0017

Age verification for material harmful to minors.

KS HB0043

Age verification for websites with harmful material.

KS H0931

Online Access to Materials Harmful to Minors

KS HB2032

Relating to age verification requirements for access to sexual material harmful to minors.

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