Financial Crime World

Georgia Considers Digital ID Requirements for Online Access to Protected Content

Proposed Legislation Aims to Protect Minors from Age-Inappropriate Content Online

A bill currently under consideration in Georgia could soon require users to submit identification, including digitized identification cards, before accessing certain websites. The proposed legislation aims to protect minors from age-inappropriate content online.

Key Provisions of the Bill

  • Age Verification Methods: Commercial entities would be required to use a “reasonable age verification method” before allowing access to websites containing material that is “harmful to minors.”
  • Definition of Harmful Content: The bill defines “material harmful to minors” as depictions of actual or simulated sexual activity, including animated content.
  • Identity Proofing Standards: Age verification methods would need to meet the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Identity Assurance Level 2 (IAL2) standard, which requires in-person or biometric-based identity proofing.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Commercial entities that fail to comply with these regulations could face liability for damages resulting from minors accessing age-inappropriate content. Additionally, those found violating the rule may be subject to a fine of up to $10,000 per incident.

  • Storage and Protection: The bill includes provisions related to the storage and protection of personal identifiable information (PII) obtained through age verification processes.
  • Third-Party Entities: Third-party entities would not be permitted to store PII without explicit consent from users, although internet service providers and search engines are exempt from this requirement.

Similar Laws in Other States

Georgia’s proposed legislation follows similar laws passed in Mississippi, Virginia, and Utah aimed at protecting children online. The use of digitized identification cards and biometric-based age verification methods aligns with the state’s existing mobile driver’s license program launched last year in partnership with Idemia.