South Carolina House Bill H3399

South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25

Caption

Children's Default to Safety Act

Impact

The bill primarily affects the regulations surrounding technology manufacturers within South Carolina. If enacted, manufacturers would face civil and criminal liabilities should their devices fail to comply with the new filtering requirements. The law would empower parents and guardians to hold manufacturers accountable for any lapses that lead to minors being exposed to harmful content. This aspect of the legislation places a significant responsibility on manufacturers to create safer devices, thereby altering the dynamics of technology development and consumer safety adherence in the state.

Summary

House Bill 3399, known as the 'Children's Default to Safety Act', seeks to implement protective measures for minors by requiring manufacturers of smartphones and tablets to enable filters that block harmful content by default. The bill mandates that devices activated in South Carolina, starting January 1, 2026, must automatically activate a passcode-protected filter to prevent access to inappropriate material. This software would be responsible for controlling user access to the internet and applications, thereby ensuring a safer online experience for minors.

Contention

Debate surrounding H3399 may center on the implications of such a mandate on innovation and the autonomy of manufacturers. Critics may argue that the legislation could lead to unintended consequences, such as stifling tech development or infringing on user rights. Additionally, the specifics surrounding the definition of harmful content might pose challenges in enforcement and compliance. Furthermore, opposition could arise from advocates concerned about overreach and the practical implications of enforcing such laws in a rapidly changing technological landscape.