This bill aims to enhance consumer protection by requiring age verification for websites that host material deemed harmful to minors. It introduces a new section, [325F.1791], in Minnesota Statutes, which defines key terms such as "commercial entity," "material harmful to minors," and "age verification." Under the proposed law, commercial entities that share or host such material must verify that users are 18 years of age or older, using reliable methods approved by the commissioner of commerce. The bill also stipulates that any identifying information collected during the age verification process must not be retained by the commercial entity.

Enforcement of this law will be overseen by the attorney general, who can investigate reported violations and initiate civil actions. Parents or legal guardians of minors can also take legal action against commercial entities that fail to verify age, with potential damages and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not impose any obligations on internet service providers or users of interactive computer services.