This bill, H.F. No. 1434, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, seeks to implement age verification requirements for websites that contain material deemed harmful to minors. The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Definitions: The bill defines terms including "commercial entity," "host," "identifying information," "interactive computer service," "material harmful to minors," and "age verification." It specifies that material harmful to minors includes explicit sexual content that lacks literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.

2. Age Verification Requirement: Websites where 25% or more of their content is considered harmful to minors must implement age verification measures before allowing access. This applies to commercial entities that distribute such material knowingly. Age verification must be conducted using a recognized database or another approved commercial method.

3. Data Privacy: Websites performing age verification cannot retain identifying information after verification. If a commercial entity knowingly retains such data, it may be held liable for damages and attorney fees.

4. Enforcement and Penalties:

   • Individuals who gain access without age verification can report violations to the Attorney General, who may investigate and take civil enforcement actions.
   • Parents or legal guardians of minors who access such websites without verification may sue the entities responsible.
   • Violators may face civil penalties of up to $25,000 per offense.

5. Limitations: The bill does not impose obligations or liabilities on internet service providers or general users of interactive computer services.

In summary, this legislation aims to protect minors from explicit content by requiring strict age verification for certain websites while providing enforcement mechanisms through legal action and penalties.