AL HB167

Requires manufacturers of tablets and smartphones manufactured on or after January 1, 2025, to include a filter that blocks obscene content and is activated by default for minor users starting January 1, 2026.

Filter must be deactivatable only with a password and must notify users when blocking access to websites; manufacturers must determine user age during device activation.

Manufacturers in violation are subject to civil and criminal liability if a minor accesses obscene material on a non-compliant device; good faith efforts to provide commercially reasonable filters are exempt from liability.

Attorney General may seek injunctions, civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation (maximum $50,000 aggregate), investigative costs, and attorney fees; may revoke business licenses.

Parents or legal guardians may bring private civil actions against manufacturers for violations, recovering actual damages up to $50,000, punitive damages if knowing and willful, attorney fees, and other relief; class actions permitted for knowing and willful violations.