By Jonathan Eberle |
In a move aimed at tightening online protections for children, the Arizona House of Representatives has passed HB2112, a bipartisan bill that would require pornography websites to verify users’ ages before granting access.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Nick Kupper (R-LD25), targets commercial pornography platforms that fail to implement “reasonable” age verification systems—an approach proponents say balances child safety with user privacy. Under HB2112, companies could face civil penalties up to $250,000 if minors are able to access explicit content due to a lack of proper age checks.
“There’s no excuse for letting kids have unlimited access to hardcore pornography,” said Kupper in a press release. “HB2112 puts the responsibility where it belongs—on the companies making money off this material.”
Kupper, who serves as Vice Chair of the House Ways & Means Committee, emphasized that the bill does not store or share personal user data, a provision designed to address privacy concerns. HB2112 also gives parents the right to take civil action against companies that fail to comply.
While the bill does not replace existing parental controls, it adds what Kupper called “another layer of protection” against minors’ exposure to online pornography. “Arizona families want action, not excuses,” he said. “The Governor has a chance to do the right thing. This bill defends children’s safety and puts Arizona on the right side of a growing national effort.” The Arizona House GOP echoed the message in a social media post accompanying the announcement.
The bill has attracted support from both sides of the aisle, a notable development in a polarized legislature. If enacted, HB2112 would make Arizona one of the first Western states to adopt legally enforceable age verification requirements for adult websites.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
