HB0072S02 | Device Filter Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill establishes filter requirements and enforcement mechanisms for tablets and smart phones activated in the state on or after January 1 of the year following the year this bill takes effect.

Highlighted Provisions: 

requires a tablet or a smart phone (a device) manufactured on or after January 1,
15 2022, to, when activated in the state, automatically enable a filter capable of
16 blocking material that is harmful to minors;
17 ▸ requires the filter enabled at activation to:
18 • prevent the user of the device from accessing material that is harmful to minors
19 on the device;
20 • enable certain users to deactivate the filter for the device or for specific content;
21 and
22 • notify the user when content is filtered;
23 ▸ provides a process for the attorney general or a member of the public to bring a civil
24 action against a manufacturer that manufactures a device on or after January 1,
25 2022, if:
26 • the device does not contain an enabled filter upon activation in the state; and
27 • a minor accessed material that is harmful to minors on the device;
 

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0072S02
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
Susan Pulsipher
Republican - District 50
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill provides that each smart phone or tablet (device) that is manufactured after Jan. 1, 2022 , when activated in the state of Utah, will come with the filters blocking material harmful to minors. What this means for children in Utah, is if they are given a device manufactured after Jan. 1, 2022 it will have filters in place to protect them from materials harmful to children. This helps increase in the number of children who are protected from materials harmful to minors on their own device which may also protect other children who may have access to this device also. This is very important for Utah PTA to follow because device manufacturers have thus far been unwilling to manufacture safe devices for children and youth which are free from materials harmful to children. In fact, these device companies are likely to fight against this bill. We should advocate to protect the developing adolescent brains from this harmful material just as we advocate to protect their developing brains from alcohol or vaping or smoking.

Commission: 
Family Life
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Mass Media Position Statement 
Resolved, That Utah PTA and constituent associations urge its members at all levels to advocate for federal and local laws, regulations and programs that prohibit digital content that is considered illegal or harmful to children;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

5. Support measures to promote safe and healthy environments and behaviors for children to prevent suicide, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking,