Republican Gov. Spencer Cox says the anti-porn measure sends an “important message” about preventing children from accessing explicit online content.
The law makes Utah the first state to mandate filters on all phones and tablets sold in the state.
However, the measure won’t go into effect unless five other states enact similar laws, a provision that was added to address concerns that it would be difficult to implement.
The ACLU says “this is another example of the Legislature dodging the constitutional impacts of the legislation they pass.”
Cox reportedly said he isn’t as worried about constitutional concerns because the proposal won’t be immediately enacted.
Manufacturers that don’t abide by the law could face fines of $10 for each violation with a cap of $500.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican State Rep. Susan Pulishper, said she was “grateful” that Cox signed the bill, which she said was aimed at keeping porn away from children.
“Combating porn is a perennial issue for Utah lawmakers, who are predominantly members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lawmakers have previously mandated warning labels on print and online pornography and declared porn a “public health crisis.” Church leaders also have drawn attention to what they consider the harms of pornography.
There is some precedent for other states following Utah’s example on porn restrictions — more than a dozen states advanced similar resolutions to declare porn a public health crisis after Utah became the first to do so in 2016.”