The proposed bill introduces the "Children's Device Protection Act" by adding a new chapter to Title 48 of the Idaho Code. This legislation aims to protect minors from accessing harmful content online by requiring that all tablets and smartphones manufactured after January 1, 2026, come equipped with internet filtering software. The bill outlines the responsibilities of manufacturers, including the requirement to enable filters upon device activation, determine the age of users, and notify users when access to certain websites is blocked. Additionally, it establishes definitions for key terms such as "device," "filter," and "minor," and emphasizes the importance of mental health in the context of minors' online activities.
Furthermore, the bill holds manufacturers liable if a minor accesses obscene material on their devices due to non-compliance with the filtering requirements. It provides a framework for the Attorney General to take action against manufacturers who violate these provisions, including the ability to impose civil penalties and seek injunctions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the filtering requirements becoming mandatory starting January 1, 2026.