HB 647 Summary

• Requires manufacturers, sellers, and distributors of internet-accessible products sold in Hawaii to include digital content blocking capabilities that render pornographic material, child pornography, revenge pornography, and human trafficking websites inaccessible.

• Mandates companies establish and maintain reporting mechanisms (website or call center) for consumers to report unblocked pornographic content or material improperly blocked, with five-business-day response deadlines.

• Allows consumers aged 18+ to deactivate blocking capabilities by presenting identification, acknowledging written warnings, and paying a one-time $20 digital access fee, with fees deposited into the human trafficking victim services fund.

• Makes failure to include digital content blocking capability a misdemeanor offense and allows the Attorney General or consumers to seek civil damages up to $500 per piece of unblocked content with five-business-day reporting deadlines.

• Exempts social media platforms with user reporting procedures for pornographic content and provides an affirmative defense for institutions or organizations with justifiable scientific, educational, or governmental purposes for displaying such material; effective July 1, 2020.