This bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 2105, aims to regulate access to online material deemed harmful to minors by requiring age verification for certain websites.

Key Provisions:

1. Definitions:

   • A commercial entity (businesses or for-profit organizations) that shares or distributes material harmful to minors must implement age verification.
   • Material harmful to minors includes sexually explicit content that lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.
   • Age verification methods must utilize either a commercial database or another approved method by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce.

2. Age Verification Requirement:

   • Any commercial website where 25% or more of its viewed pages in a calendar month contain material harmful to minors must verify that users are 18+ before granting access.
   • Internet service providers are not considered as "hosting" such content for the purpose of this law.

3. Data Privacy Protections:

   • Websites cannot retain identifying information submitted during the age verification process.
   • If a business knowingly retains such data, individuals may sue for damages, including attorney fees.

4. Enforcement and Penalties:

   • Individuals can report violations to the Attorney General, who may investigate and file civil enforcement actions.
   • Parents or legal guardians of minors who access non-compliant websites can sue the business for damages, legal fees, and additional civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation.

5. Limitations:

   • The bill does not impose liability on internet service providers or users of interactive computer services.

This proposed law seeks to protect minors from accessing explicit content online, ensuring businesses verify user ages while maintaining data privacy.