Balance online protection and civil liberties with HR 1234

This message should now read: H.B. 300 requires commercial entities that publish material considered "harmful to minors" (people under 18) to verify that anyone accessing their site is 18 or older. Material is considered "harmful to minors" if the average person would consider that it appeals to a prurient interest and if it is devoted to or principally consists of descriptions of real, simulated, or animated sexual acts or nudity, and if it lacks literary, artistic, political, or scientific interest to minors. Violations of this law make the entity liable for damages, injunctive relief, and court costs plus attorney's fees. This verification can be accomplished either by comparing the internet protocol address with public blacklists or any public age verification method. A balanced approach is needed to protect youth online while respecting civil liberties and internet freedom.