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Bill

S 8102

Relates to requiring manufacturers of internet-enabled devices to conduct age assurance to determine a user's age category

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Gounardes and 1 co-sponsor

Requires internet-enabled device makers to use commercially reasonable age-verification to determine whether a user is a covered minor, guiding access to content.

PRINT NUMBER 8102B
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 8102

Summary of S 8102 – Age Assurance for Internet-Enabled Devices

Overview

S 8102 seeks to require manufacturers of internet-enabled devices to implement commercially reasonable age assurance mechanisms to determine whether a user is a covered minor. The bill is currently referred to the Consumer Protection committee. It was introduced on May 15, 2025. The primary sponsor is Senator Andrew Gounardes. A companion bill exists in Assembly: A 8893.

Purpose and intent

  • To enhance protection of minors online by ensuring that manufacturers of internet-enabled devices take steps to identify when a user attempting to access online content or services may be a minor.
  • Establishes a framework for age verification or estimation that is intended to be commercially reasonable and feasible for manufacturers to implement.

Key provisions (essential concepts)

  • Obligation on manufacturers: Devices that connect to the internet would be required to conduct age assurance to determine if a user is a covered minor.
  • Commercially reasonable standard: Age assurance methods must meet a standard described as commercially reasonable, balancing effectiveness with practicality and industry norms.
  • Scope of devices: Applies to manufacturers of internet-enabled devices (e.g., devices capable of accessing online content or services).
  • Outcome focus: The bill centers on determining whether a user is a covered minor, with implications for what content or services may be accessible based on age status.
  • Enforcement and administration: The measure is placed in the jurisdiction of consumer protection authorities via the committee of referral (Consumer Protection).

Note: The available summary does not provide the complete statutory text, definitions, or specifics on penalties, timelines for compliance, or exemptions. The above reflects the core intent as described.

Affected parties

  • Manufacturers of internet-enabled devices: Primary duty to implement age assurance measures.
  • Consumers, particularly minors and their guardians: Beneficiaries of age-verification protections and privacy considerations.
  • Parents and guardians: Indirectly affected as age assurance interacts with access to online content.
  • Consumer protection agencies and enforcers: Responsible for oversight and compliance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: May 15, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the Consumer Protection committee.
  • Duplicative entries in the legislative record show the same action listed twice.
  • Associated companion legislation: A 8893 (Assembly) as the cross-chamber companion.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Public health and safety: Potentially improves protection for minors by reducing access to age-inappropriate content or services.
  • Privacy and data practices: Age assurance could involve collecting or estimating age; questions may arise about data collection, storage, use, and consent.
  • Industry effects: Manufacturers may need to invest in age-verification technologies and update device firmware or software; costs and feasibility will vary by device category.
  • Legal and regulatory clarity: The bill would benefit from clear definitions (e.g., “covered minor,” “commercially reasonable,” and scope of content/services affected) and enforcement mechanics, including penalties and timelines.

Next steps

If advanced, the bill would move through committee consideration, potential amendments, and floor votes. Stakeholders may seek clarifications on definitions, privacy protections, and the practical implementation timeline.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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