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 distribute 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 emphasizes data privacy, prohibiting the retention of identifying information used for age verification.

Enforcement of this law will be managed 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, 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.