Bill > AB294

This bill introduces new regulations to protect minors from accessing harmful online content by requiring online platforms, websites, and internet-based services that primarily publish material harmful to minors to establish robust age verification systems. The bill mandates that these platforms must verify a user's age before allowing access to age-inappropriate content, using methods such as uploading government-issued identification, verifying age through transactional data, or using third-party age verification services. Platforms must protect users' personal information, using it only for age verification purposes and complying with existing privacy laws. Violations can result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per incident, which can be pursued by the Attorney General. Additionally, parents or guardians of minors can bring civil actions for damages against platforms that fail to comply. The bill defines "harmful to minors" according to existing state law and specifically excludes internet service providers, search engines, and cloud service providers from these requirements. The new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving businesses time to implement the necessary age verification systems and privacy protections.