Bill
A 3946
Requires age verification on internet pornography sites serving New York residents to block access for users under 18.
Bill at a glance
- Bill number: A 3946
- Title: Requires age verification for internet pornography websites
- Status: HELD FOR CONSIDERATION IN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PROTECTION
- Introduced: January 30, 2025
- Classification: bill
- Related Senate companion: S 3591 (companion)
Sponsor information
- Primary sponsor: Mary Beth Walsh
- Cosponsors (listed): John Lemondes, Brian Maher, Joseph Sempolinski, Angelo J. Morinello, Chris Tague, Jerett Gandolfo, David DiPietro, Carrie Woerner, Andrew Molitor, Joe Angelino, John K. Mikulin, Michael Durso, Kenneth Blankenbush
What the bill would do (purpose and intent)
- The core aim is to require age verification for internet pornography websites. The stated objective is to restrict access to adult content to individuals who meet a specified age threshold (implied to be 18 or older). The available summary does not include the bill’s exact definitions, verification standards, or enforcement mechanisms.
Key provisions (high-level, as provided)
- Age verification requirement: Websites that host internet pornography would be obligated to verify the age of users before granting access.
- Details on verification methods, data handling, retention, privacy protections, enforcement, penalties, and exemptions are not included in the provided bill summary.
- The text does not specify which entities must comply (e.g., all pornography sites serving New York residents vs. sites with a certain presence in NY) or how verification would be implemented (e.g., self-attestation, government-ID checks, third-party verification services).
Who would be affected
- Internet pornography websites and operators that serve New York residents or operate within New York state.
- Users seeking access to adult content on such sites, who would be required to complete age verification.
- Potentially affected parties include website owners, technology vendors (verification providers), and data/privacy stakeholders due to handling of age-related user information.
Procedural and timeline context
- January 30, 2025: Introduced and referred to the Assembly Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection.
- May 19, 2025: Reported to be HELD FOR CONSIDERATION in the same committee. The listing appears twice, indicating two entries in the legislative actions for this date.
- Status as of the latest action: The bill remains under consideration and has not advanced to passage in the Assembly.
- Related action: A companion bill exists in the Senate as S 3591.
Notes for readers
- The summary reflects the information provided; the actual bill text would specify definitions, scope, verification methods, privacy protections, enforcement, penalties, effective dates, and any exemptions.
- Watch for committee hearings, potential amendments, and any updates to the companion Senate bill (S 3591) for a fuller understanding of the bill’s potential impact and trajectory.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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