Requires entities to verify age of persons accessing certain online material and prohibits minors from accessing certain online material.
The bill mandates the Division of Consumer Affairs to develop standards for age verification methods and categorize what constitutes 'material harmful to minors.' This could have significant implications for online platforms, as they will need to establish rigorous processes for monitoring and enforcing these regulations. Failing to comply could result in civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. Furthermore, provisions for courts to grant individuals compensatory damages in cases of harm caused to minors add a layer of accountability for entities that fail to adhere to the law.
A4146, introduced in New Jersey, aims to address the rising concerns regarding minors' access to harmful online material. The bill requires entities that operate certain internet websites and webpages to implement age verification measures to prevent minors from accessing content deemed harmful. Specifically, if more than one-third of the materials on a platform are classified as harmful to minors, entities must ensure that anyone attempting to access the site is verified as being over 18. Additionally, any material identified as harmful must be suitable for minors if accessed by them.
Notably, A4146 has sparked discussions around the balance between protecting children and potential overreach in regulation. Critics argue that strict age verification requirements could limit access to legitimate resources and information for minors, while supporters emphasize the necessity of safeguarding youth from inappropriate content. The bill also raises concerns regarding privacy, as the enforcement of age verification methods could lead to the collection and potential retention of personal data, albeit the bill specifies that identifiable information should not be stored post-verification.
Another crucial aspect of A4146 is its exemption for bona fide news and public interest broadcasts, which aims to ensure that essential news remains accessible to all individuals, including minors. The bill establishes a fund to aid in investigations of cyber-crimes against children, showcasing New Jersey's effort to combat online exploitation. Ultimately, A4146 reflects both legislative attempts to enhance online protection for minors and broader societal debates around internet governance and individual rights.