On Tuesday Sen. Tyler Dees (R – Siloam Springs) filed S.B. 66 requiring pornographic websites to implement an age verification process to protect children from pornography.
The measure is similar to a Louisiana law that has caused major porn websites to start verifying that users are over the age of 18.
S.B. 66 requires pornographic websites to verify users are 18 or older using a government-issued ID or a commercially available method to check a person’s age.
In practice, this means pornographic websites would rely on IDs like state driver’s licenses or some sort of third-party software to prevent minors from accessing pornographic material online.
Technology has given children unprecedented access to pornography. Among other things, pornography is believed to contribute to mental health problems.
We need to take steps to protect kids from pornography and other harmful material.