The legislation would require websites that publish or host explicit materials to implement age-verification systems to ensure that children are not able to access the sexual material.
PIERRE, SD (January 31, 2024) – Today Representative Bethany Soye (SD-9) introduced the “Protect Kids from Porn” legislation, which would curb minors’ access to explicit materials online. This bill requires any website regularly producing or hosting sexually explicit content to implement an age verification process to ensure minors are not able to access pornography.
The legislation has been introduced as HB 1257 but has not yet been assigned to a legislative committee.
Similar legislation has passed in multiple states, including Utah, Louisiana, Virginia, Mississippi, Montana, Texas, and others. In response to the passage of the legislation, certain pornography platforms have ceased operation in several of these states, while others have worked to implement the age-verification requirements.
Rep. Bethany Soye issued the following statement:
“We need to protect kids in South Dakota from this predatory industry. We know this multi-billion-dollar monster is targeting our kids, and it’s time to say, ‘No more’ by making pornography hard for children to access. Together, we can join the growing number of states who are standing up to the porn industry as we demand that they stay away from our kids.”
The legislation:
• Applies to any online platform that regularly works to “create, host or make available” content that South Dakota law defines as “harmful to minors.”
• Requires the “covered platforms” to implement a system which would verify the age of the online user.
• Requires that no personally identifiable information of adult users be saved or stored in any way.
• Enables parents to take legal action against any “covered platform” that refuses to implement an age-verification system and continues to allow unfettered access to their child.
To set up an interview, please reach out to Representative Soye at Bethany.Soye@sdlegislature.gov
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