AL HB318

Requires manufacturers of smartphones and tablets manufactured on or after January 1, 2027, to include an enabled obscenity filter during device activation if the user is a minor, with deactivation only allowed via password.

Manufacturers subject to civil liability if devices activated in Alabama fail to automatically enable compliant filters and a minor accesses obscene material, unless manufacturer made good faith effort to comply.

Attorney General may seek injunctions, civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation ($50,000 maximum aggregate), investigative costs, attorney fees, and license revocation for violations.

Parents or legal guardians of minors may bring private civil actions against non-compliant manufacturers for actual damages, liquidated damages of $50,000 per violation, punitive damages if knowing and willful, and attorney fees; class actions permitted.

Any person (except a minor's parent or guardian) may be liable in civil action for enabling password removal of the filter if a minor accesses obscene content; parents or guardians may sue non-parental individuals who disable the filter.