Communications: internet; digital age assurance act; create. Creates new act.
Impact
The implications of HB 4429 are significant as it introduces measures to safeguard minors from mature content by enforcing age verification processes. It requires that digital platforms block access to mature content for those identified as under 18 years. Moreover, it empowers parents to manage their children's access to content, providing them with tools to supervise usage, manage accounts associated with minors, and set limits on time spent online. This aligns with a growing trend in legislation aimed at protecting children in the digital landscape.
Summary
House Bill 4429, known as the 'Digital Age Assurance Act', aims to regulate mature content accessible via websites, applications, and online services. The bill imposes requirements on covered manufacturers, which include device manufacturers and application stores, to ensure that users are identified based on their age, specifically targeting minors. The act mandates that these manufacturers take reasonable steps to determine or estimate the age of their users when activating a device, utilizing an application programming interface to communicate this information with relevant online platforms.
Contention
Despite its protective intentions, HB 4429 has sparked discussions regarding the practical implications of enforcing such regulations. Critics may argue about privacy concerns related to the data collected for age verification, as well as the burden it may place on manufacturers and service providers to implement these measures effectively. Additionally, the absence of a private right of action in the bill could limit recourse for individuals who believe their rights are violated under this act, raising concerns about accountability for manufacturers and service providers regarding compliance.
Relative to tenant and contract manufacturers of beer, wine, and liquor; allowing pharmacists to administer influenza, COVID-19, and other FDA licensed vaccines without explicit approval from the general court; and, restricting the purchase of real property on or around military installations.