Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1823

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Consumer protection; prohibiting the targeting of minors with obscene content. Effective date.

Impact

The passage of SB1823 would result in stricter regulations against businesses that engage in marketing practices that could harm minors. This legislation is designed to protect vulnerable populations by preventing them from being directly exposed to obscene content through various communication channels. The amendment stresses the importance of fostering a safer environment for children and adolescents in the digital and media landscape, aligning Oklahoma's consumer protection standards with growing concerns over online safety.

Summary

Senate Bill 1823 aims to enhance consumer protection laws by specifically prohibiting the targeting of minors with content or messages that contain obscene material or sexual conduct. The bill amends Section 753 of the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, which outlines various unlawful practices in business transactions. With this bill, there is a clear emphasis on safeguarding younger audiences from exposure to inappropriate material in marketing and advertising strategies used by businesses.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB1823 may arise from differing views on the scope of its restrictions. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary measure to protect minors from harmful content, while critics may contend that it could impose limitations on freedom of speech and potentially lead to over-censorship of legitimate content. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the practicalities of enforcement and the definition of what constitutes 'obscene material' or 'sexual conduct,' which could lead to legal ambiguities.