Relating to electronic device filters for certain obsene materials; providing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.
If enacted, SB2421 will amend the Business and Commerce Code by establishing a new chapter specifically addressing electronic device filters. The law stipulates that manufacturers face civil penalties for violations, which could total up to $50,000 or $5,000 per violation. This creates a strong economic incentive for manufacturers to comply with the regulation, thereby institutionalizing a standard for child internet safety across devices in the state.
SB2421 is an act aimed at regulating electronic devices by enforcing mandatory filters to prevent minors from accessing obscene materials. Under this bill, manufacturers of smartphones and tablets, activated within Texas, will be required to automatically enable a filtering system during the activation process, ensuring that minors cannot access content deemed obscene. This initiative is a response to growing concerns about the online safety of children and the need for proactive measures to safeguard them from inappropriate content.
There may be points of contention surrounding this bill, primarily from manufacturers who could argue that the imposition of such filtering requirements infringes on business operations and raises concerns about technological feasibility. Additionally, questions regarding the responsibility of parents and guardians in managing these filters may arise, as the bill does provide pathways for civil actions by parents against manufacturers if their devices fail to comply, which could put manufacturers in a challenging legal position.
The bill also outlines the penalties for non-compliance, including both civil actions for negligent manufacturers and criminal penalties for individuals who circumvent the filters. This dual enforcement approach signifies the legislation's seriousness in addressing potential violations and emphasizes a collective societal responsibility to protect minors from harmful online content.