This bill aims to enhance consumer protection by mandating 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 at least 18 years old, 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 who access these websites without proper age verification can also file civil lawsuits against the offending commercial entities, seeking damages and equitable relief. The bill establishes civil penalties of up to $25,000 for each violation, while clarifying that Internet service providers and users of interactive computer services are not liable under this section.