MS HB1224

Prohibits interactive computer service providers from entering into contracts (including terms of service agreements) with minors under 18 without prior parental or guardian consent, rendering any such unauthorized agreements void from inception

Holds providers liable for knowingly allowing minors to access harmful material, making minors' personal information accessible to others, or permitting adults to engage in grooming conduct with minor users

Providers can avoid liability by implementing reasonable age verification methods (digitized ID or commercial verification systems) or by obtaining separate written parental consent for each prohibited activity category while providing parents continuous access to the minor's usage history

Civil penalties include $10,000 per day for age verification/consent violations, $10,000 per instance for improper retention of identifying information, and up to $250,000 per instance when violations result in minors accessing harmful content or adults communicating with minors

Enforcement authority rests exclusively with the Attorney General, who must provide 30 days' notice before filing suit and may recover attorney's fees and litigation costs; exemptions apply to news organizations, broadband providers, email services, and search engines