MS SB2886

Requires commercial entities that knowingly publish or distribute material harmful to minors on websites where such material comprises more than 33.3% of content to implement reasonable age verification methods to prevent minor access.

Defines "reasonable age verification methods" as requiring proof of age 18 or older through government-issued identification or commercially reasonable methods using public or private transactional data.

Establishes civil liability for entities failing to perform age verification, allowing recovery of damages plus court costs and attorney fees; additional damages available if entities knowingly retain identifying information after access is granted.

Exempts bona fide news and public interest content from the requirements and protects news-gathering organizations, internet service providers, search engines, and cloud service providers from liability for content they do not create.

Effective July 1, 2023.