Maryland HB 1212

The bill mandates that starting January 1, 2026, all devices activated in the state must have a filter installed that prevents minors from accessing obscene content. It prohibits anyone other than a parent or legal guardian from deactivating this filter. Filter can only be disabled after “reasonable age verification” is performed.

The bill also establishes civil and criminal liabilities for manufacturers if their devices do not comply with the filter requirements and a minor accesses obscene material as a result. Parents or legal guardians are granted the right to file private lawsuits against manufacturers or individuals who disable the filter, with potential damages including actual damages, liquidated damages of $50,000 per violation, and punitive damages for willful violations.

Additionally, the Attorney General is authorized to take action against violators, including filing civil lawsuits and seeking penalties. The legislation aims to enhance the protection of minors from inappropriate online content.