The digital landscape is transforming into a place where verifying age isn’t just a formality but also a robust shield protecting minors from harmful content. For too long, many platforms, especially in the adult entertainment sector, relied on inadequate methods, asking users to simply enter their birth dates with no real way to confirm the truth. Now, with the Texas new law, the state became one of 17 states that require websites with adult content to verify the age of users to block minors.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the Texas age verification law requirements and how websites can ensure compliance with the new law in Texas while protecting minors.
Texas 1181 Bill Explained
Enacted on September 1, 2023, the state of Texas passed a law, HB 1181, that would require websites with more than one-third of content that is material harmful to minors. It stated that they use “reasonable age verification methods” to verify that an individual attempting to access the material is 18 years or older. The law also requires these platforms to display health warnings about the potential risks associated with pornography.
The Texas new law was opposed by the Free Speech Coalition (FSC), representing the adult entertainment industry, and other petitioners. It challenged HB 1181, arguing that its age verification requirements infringe upon First Amendment rights.
This age verification law is put in place to protect minors and requires protective measures from websites hosting adult content to conduct proper age verification; this way, minors do not access underage content freely. Age verification laws apply to websites where a substantial amount of adult content is materially harmful to minors. Failure to comply with the age verification requirement results in a civil penalty being imposed on the entity.
Reasonable Age Verification Methods
With the rise of stricter age verification laws like the new Texas age verification law, websites must implement reasonable age verification methods to comply with regulations and protect minors from harmful content. Simply asking users to enter their birthdate is no longer enough. This online age verification method includes:
1. Digital identification: Websites can use a platform that offers advanced identity verification services, like Youverify, to authenticate users by checking government-issued IDs. This ensures that only individuals of legal age can gain access.
2. Age verification system: An age verification system is a tool that verifies a user's age before granting access to age-restricted content, products, or services. It ensures compliance with online age verification laws by confirming whether a user meets the legal age requirement using methods like biometrics or database checks.
Requirements for Texas Bill 1181 Law
To comply with the Texas age verification law requirements (note: here, this term refers to the state-mandated age verification protocols under HB 1181—not the federal employment eligibility verification system), websites must implement robust verification systems to ensure the smooth running of online age verification.
1. Age verification: Websites must use reasonable methods to verify that users meet the legal age requirement in the state of Texas, which is 18, before granting access to explicit content. This means a website or a third party should perform age verification of an individual. This digital identification serves as proof of the identity of an individual.
2. Health warnings: These platforms are also required to display health warnings about the potential risks associated with the content.
Given these stringent requirements, it is crucial for businesses to adopt effective and secure age verification solutions to enable them to comply with these requirements.
How to Comply with the Texas Bill 1181 Law
To meet the strict standards set by the new Texas law, websites must implement robust age verification systems that adhere to the online age verification law.
1. Implement verification systems: Use approved methods like ID scans, facial recognition, or third-party tools to verify users are 18+ and stay compliant.
2. Maintain compliance with data protection laws: Ensure verification processes do not store or misuse personal data to avoid privacy violations.
Periodically review compliance standards to keep up with online age verification laws.
Failure to Comply with Texas Bill 1181 Law
Commercial entities are held liable if they fail to perform age verification in accordance with the Texas new age verification law requirements. entities are applicable to the following:
1. $10,000 per day that the entity operates an Internet website in violation of the age verification requirements of this chapter.
2. $10,000 per instance when the entity retains identifying information in violation of Section 129B.002(b).
3. if, because of the entity's violation of the age verification requirements of this chapter, one or more minors accesses sexual material harmful to minors, an additional amount of not more than $250,000
How Youverify Can Help
In navigating these regulatory challenges, companies can benefit significantly from partnering with us. Youverify empowers businesses in ensuring regulatory compliance. Our KYC solution helps streamline the process of adhering to the new Texas age verification law requirements. Why choose us
1. Integrated Compliance Solutions: Our platform is designed to handle complex regulatory environments, offering comprehensive solutions. This means businesses can quickly adapt to changes in legal standards without overhauling their entire system.
2. Advanced Verification Technologies: Leveraging the latest in biometric and AI-driven authentication, we ensure you with age verification that is both reliable and secure; that way, commercial entities can stay compliant.
3. Tailored for the Digital Age: With an emphasis on both user security and seamless integration, Youverify’s solution helps you meet the dual objectives of regulatory compliance and enhanced user experience.
FAQ
1. What is the new age verification law in Texas?
The new law in Texas requires businesses to verify the age of users before granting access to adult content.
2. What is the age verification policy?
An age verification policy outlines the procedures that companies must follow to confirm a user’s age. This policy includes the use of reasonable verification methods such as government-issued ID checks and age verification systems
3. What is the purpose of age verification?
The primary purpose of age verification is to protect minors from accessing inappropriate or harmful content. Additionally, it helps businesses adhere to regulatory standards and prevent fraudulent access to services and products intended for adults.
4. What is the difference between age verification and age assurance?
- Age verification involves confirming a user’s exact age using official documents or biometric data.
- Age assurance is a method for figuring out how old a user is. The techniques employed provide varying degrees of assurance. While some provide an age range or estimate to support an age-appropriate experience, others confirm a person's actual age, which is frequently confirmed against an outside source.
Conclusion
The Texas New Law on age verification is a significant regulatory development, setting the stage for a safer digital environment by ensuring that minors are effectively protected from accessing age-restricted content. While the law presents operational challenges, it also offers businesses the opportunity to adopt advanced verification technologies and reinforce their commitment to user security.
For businesses looking to navigate these changes efficiently, partnering with a solution provider like Youverify is your first step in staying compliant. To get started, book a demo today.