Bill > HB1212

This bill requires all tablets and smartphones manufactured on or after January 1, 2026, and activated in Maryland, to include a mandatory filter designed to prevent minors from accessing obscene material. During device activation, the device must determine the user's age and automatically enable a filter for minor users, blocking access to obscene content through internet browsers and search engines across mobile, wired, and wireless networks. The filter must notify minor users when a website is blocked and allow parents or legal guardians to disable the filter after providing age verification. No other person may deactivate the filter for a minor's device. Manufacturers can be subject to civil and criminal liability if their devices do not comply with these requirements, though they may avoid liability by making a good faith effort to provide a commercially reasonable filter. Penalties for violating the bill's provisions include fines up to $50,000, potential imprisonment, and the possibility of civil lawsuits from parents or guardians. The Attorney General is authorized to take legal action against violators, including seeking injunctions, recovering penalties, and potentially revoking business licenses. The bill aims to protect minors from accessing inappropriate online content by mandating technological safeguards on digital devices.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1212?ys=2025RS