Bill > HB1593

This bill establishes new regulations for commercial entities and covered platforms regarding the publication and distribution of sexual material harmful to minors on the internet. The legislation requires websites with a substantial portion of sexually explicit content to implement robust age verification methods to prevent minors from accessing such material. These verification methods can include digital identification, government-issued IDs, or commercial age verification systems that use transactional data to confirm a user is at least 18 years old. The bill defines "sexual material harmful to a minor" as content that appeals to prurient interests, contains patently offensive depictions of sexual acts or body parts, and lacks serious artistic or scientific value. Commercial entities and covered platforms that fail to implement these age verification methods can be held liable and subject to civil actions by parents or guardians, with potential damages including injunctions, compensatory and exemplary damages, and attorney fees. The bill includes important exemptions for news organizations and internet service providers, ensuring they are not unfairly penalized for content they do not directly create. Additionally, any third-party age verification system must anonymize user data and is prohibited from retaining identifying information after access is granted.

Justice

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1593.html