Bill > LD1873

This bill requires businesses that publish or distribute obscene online content to implement age verification methods to ensure that only individuals 18 years or older can access such material. Specifically, businesses must verify age using methods like government-issued identification or by cross-referencing transactional data, and they are strictly prohibited from retaining any personal identifying information after age verification. The bill applies to websites and software applications and defines a "business entity" according to existing state law. There are important exceptions for news broadcasts, public interest content, and internet service providers who are not directly responsible for creating the obscene content. If a business fails to properly verify age or improperly retains personal information, they can be held liable for damages and may face legal action from the Attorney General for unfair or deceptive practices. The Attorney General is tasked with creating administrative rules and establishing penalties for violations, which will be considered routine technical rules. The overall aim of the bill is to protect minors from accessing obscene online content by mandating robust age verification processes.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1873&snum=132