Technology (Online Safety)

This Montana bill requires all smartphones and tablets activated in the state on or after January 1, 2026, to include built-in filters that block obscene content for users under 18. The law mandates that devices automatically enable these filters when a user indicates they are a minor during setup, while allowing adults to disable the filters with a password. Manufacturers face civil liability if their devices fail to include compliant filters and minors access obscene content, though parents and guardians are exempt from individual liability. The Attorney General can pursue penalties of up to $5,000 per violation and recover legal costs for enforcing these requirements.

Bill LC 1580, titled "Expand child labor laws to include digital labor practices," proposed to update existing child labor regulations to cover digital work performed by minors, such as creating social media content, participating in online gigs, or engaging in digital content creation. The bill would have required businesses and platforms employing minors in digital work to comply with age restrictions and hour limits similar to traditional child labor laws. However, the bill died in the legislative process on May 26, 2025, and did not become law, so no policy changes were implemented.