Criminal Law - Obscene Material - Device Filters

HB 1212 requires all new tablets and smartphones manufactured after January 1, 2026, to automatically enable filters blocking obscene material for minors upon activation in Maryland. Manufacturers must install these filters, which prevent minors from accessing such content through internet browsers and search engines on the device, and cannot allow deactivation for minor users. Parents or guardians may temporarily disable the filter after verifying the minor's age but must re-enable it using a password. The bill imposes civil and criminal liability on manufacturers or others who fail to comply with these filter requirements.